Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his low back disability was denied, and the TDIU claim was also denied as he did not meet the percentage rating standards to be considered for individual unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of November 9, 2009, for the grant of service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis and disc disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and needs further evaluation of the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 25, 2014 and increased to 40 percent on or after that date. The TDIU claim is granted effective October 7, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for neurological manifestations of his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to unclear findings in the record regarding whether these symptoms are related to the service-connected conditions or other disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, is service-connected as it resulted from his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. The issue of an extraschedular rating for his right shoulder disability will also be considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of rheumatoid arthritis and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim of service connection for gastrointestinal disability remains pending.

The Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right knee, degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, left hallux valgus and bunion deformity with early degenerative changes of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and bone spurs of the right ankle are all related to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, and his cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent. The Board granted the Veteran a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of entitlement to service connection for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and sleep apnea during a hearing before the Board. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral testicular epididymitis and found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active military service. The remaining issues on appeal will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity sciatica are currently rated at the lowest possible rating of 10 percent, which is not sufficient to reflect the severity of his symptoms. Service connection for depression was denied, and entitlement to a TDIU rating remains in dispute.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and a left hip disability, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a left hip disability. The Board also found that the Veteran's current left knee osteoarthritis was not present during his active duty training.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection, except for a left hand disorder which was granted.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected sacroiliac strain, to include degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right foot disability is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition warrants a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's neck and back disabilities have been granted service connection, but the initial ratings assigned are 10 percent for both conditions. The GERD claim remains in appellate status with a current rating of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and consideration of all evidence.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left and right hip disabilities, finding that they did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.