Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative changes have been rated at 10 percent since October 1, 2009. The VA examiner found full range of motion and no additional limitation due to pain or fatigue.,For the thoracic scoliosis and DDD, the Veteran has a combined ROM of 240 degrees, which is below the threshold for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine). The examiner did not find any additional limitation due to pain or fatigue.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right shoulder and right knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable prior to September 26, 2013. The appeal for higher ratings is granted.,Effective September 26, 2013, the Veteran's right shoulder and right knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disability was found to not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent or a separate compensable evaluation for left knee effusion and degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for his service-connected bilateral shoulder, wrist, hand, and elbow disabilities have been denied. The Veteran was granted compensable ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left hands, as well as initial ratings of 10 percent each for his elbows and wrists.

The Veteran's service-connected pes cavus of the right and left feet have not been shown to warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.,Separate ratings for osteoarthritis of each foot, secondary to the service-connected bilateral pes cavus, are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis with total knee arthroplasty and left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent effective June 23, 2015.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the left foot. The Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service, as evidenced by a June 2013 VA opinion. As such, the claim is granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability is productive of pain, flexion to 105 degrees, extension to 0 degrees, slight instability, and locking. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left knee based on pain and limitation of motion have not been met on a schedular basis. The criteria for an evaluation of 10 percent for left knee instability have been met on a schedular basis. The criteria for an evaluation of 20 percent for left knee disability productive of locking have been met on a schedular basis.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including upper cervical strain, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and several psychiatric, musculoskeletal, and respiratory conditions. The Board has ordered a remand to address these issues due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues with communication and missing records, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced, but the decision is void ab initio due to procedural errors. The left knee disability warrants a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran was rendered unemployable as of May 21, 2013, solely due to his multiple service-connected disabilities and this has continued unabated since that point in time.

The Veteran's lower back pain is manifested by characteristic pain on motion and, during flare-ups, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less. The Board finds that the Veteran warrants a 40 percent disability rating for his lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claims for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis, tendonitis of the left shoulder, and peripheral neuropathy of both shoulders were denied effective from June 18, 2003.,Claims for right and left wrist osteoarthritis were also denied effective from February 20, 2004.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including consideration of the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) if the schedular criteria remain unmet.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an opinion on the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee degenerative arthritis was not manifest in service or to a degree of 10 percent within one year of separation and is unrelated to service. The Board also found no relationship between any current right or left shoulder disability, as shown by MRI reports from July 2014, and service.