Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was denied, and the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and reschedule the Veteran for an examination regarding his right knee disability. The claim will be adjudicated again after obtaining these records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the provision of relevant medical records. The issues regarding his right shoulder, lumbar spine, and left heel spur are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent since October 25, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period prior to October 25, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) documents, USPS records, and a supplemental statement of the case on his TDIU claim.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating from 40% to 10% for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was proper, effective October 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right shoulder/clavicle disorder, hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, obesity, or osteoarthritis (left knee). The claim for service connection is denied.