Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and any available private treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder osteoarthritis and migraine headaches have been granted higher initial ratings, while the tinea pedis with onychomycosis remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining SSA records and determining if an extraschedular TDIU rating on his service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2009, is warranted.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted does not support reopening of the previously denied claims for service connection for a head injury with headaches, PTSD, and left/right hand disabilities. The Veteran's back disability is also not supported by the evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, including consideration of exposure to jet fuel and herbicides. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis and chondrocalcinosis of the left knee under DC 5258, effective June 2, 2017. The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and he is entitled to a separate rating for instability of his left knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, diagnosed as a chronic rotator cuff tear and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, is related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities and bilateral hearing loss. The issues regarding increased ratings for his left hip conditions are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The Board also found that the preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's current left knee disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis in the thoracolumbar spine is not related to his service, including as secondary to his service-connected healed coccyx fracture with cococcygodynia residuals.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to her service-connected PTSD and left knee osteoarthritis, with a combined disability rating of 80 percent.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their functional impairment, with the right and left knees each receiving a separate rating for lateral instability. The RO has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for recurrent subluxation and lateral instability of both knees as of February 21, 2017.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from January 10, 2015. His right shoulder disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum medical advisory opinion to address the likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, considering her service records and post-service treatment history.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and right knee disability. The claims will be considered again after these steps are completed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back and leg disabilities are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of chronicity in service or initial diagnosis after service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities do not warrant a higher evaluation as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for left knee degenerative arthritis is addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee is not related to her military service or her service-connected right knee disorder, and thus cannot be granted service connection.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current bilateral ankle condition and her military service.