Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was rated at 10 percent prior to October 24, 2016, and denied a higher rating.,Since October 24, 2016, the Veteran's disability has been rated at 20 percent and remains denied.

The Veteran's left heel spur condition was largely asymptomatic prior to June 27, 2016. For the period beginning June 27, 2016, his disability has been manifested by moderate symptomatology.,For the period beginning June 27, 2016, the Veteran's right shoulder condition was rated at 20 percent effective September 23, 2016. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is found to be secondary to his service-connected pes planus and plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be aggravated by his service-connected sinusitis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee arthritis affecting extension was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion warranting an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show more than slight instability in either knee, which does not warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by painful motion and without ankylosis or other severe impairment, warrants a 20 percent rating.

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 service-connected lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining medical records and examining his employability given his service-connected disabilities. His claims for secondary psychiatric disorder and increased ratings are also pending.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current left wrist and right shoulder disabilities to his time in service.,The preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee receiving a 10 percent rating for instability and the right ankle receiving a 10 percent rating. The ratings are considered appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and physical findings.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for left shoulder posttraumatic osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder syndrome has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 30, 2003 is being referred to the VA Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, secondary to his service-connected left elbow disability, was denied. His PTSD claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement, in both knees, is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in permanent and total disability that would qualify him for specially adapted housing or home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability did not manifest during service and is not related to a service-connected condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's combined rating is 50 percent, and the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities alone are enough to prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg bone spurs and a compensable rating for skin disability (dermographism). The claim of increased rating for back disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to arrange another VA examination and ensure compliance with the Correia v. McDonald decision, as well as review her TDIU claim in light of any increased rating for her right knee disabilities.