Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for left arm and hand numbness was denied. An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for an increased rating in the Veteran’s lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging.,An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,An effective date of March 13, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for right arm nerve impingement. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,A rating of more than 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging since January 2, 2017, and a rating of more than 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy since January 2, 2017, were denied.,A rating of 30 percent for GERD since March 13, 2017, and a rating of 50 percent for PTSD since March 13, 2017, were granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence of unemployability prior to June 14, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral chondromalacia patella is no longer present due to total knee arthroplasty in 2010. The claim for a compensable rating for this condition has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims, including treatment records indicating a diagnosis of PTSD. Secondary service connection was also granted for GERD. Other issues were remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further review, including consideration of whether an extraschedular evaluation is warranted and if a TDIU should be granted. The Veteran's right ankle disability affects his ability to work due to pain and decreased range of motion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient opinions regarding his lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee disabilities, as well as the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to several issues, including service connection for left lower extremity disorders and chronic kidney disease. The Veteran's current service-connected condition does not support a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's spondylolisthesis is a congenital defect and if so, whether there was any superimposed disease or injury in service that resulted in an additional disability. The claim for secondary service connection of degenerative arthritis of the spine will also be addressed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability as secondary to his service-connected left hip and right foot disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional evidence should be obtained and considered in the claims for service connection for various conditions, including left and right carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic infections of the right eye, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claim is being remanded to allow for this development.

The appeals for service connection have been granted, and the Veteran is now entitled to compensation for his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation, including consideration of a TDIU claim. The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet or approximate criteria for an increased rating beyond 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis was dismissed.,Service connection for a sleep disorder was denied. The Veteran is not diagnosed with this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examinations and conflicting evidence in the record. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess his PTSD severity, and an aid and attendance/housebound examination is also needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for his daily needs and protect himself from hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbosacral sprain, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, hypertension, and a right hip disability due to new evidence submitted by the appellant. The appeals are now pending with appropriate examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected, with a presumption of service connection due to the one-year post-service period.,The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 14, 2015 is denied as not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee and left foot injuries due to a lack of VA examination, as well as incomplete medical records. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 20% due to slight subluxation and painful movement. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no objective evidence of more severe instability or limitation of motion.