Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right and left elbow disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as any diagnosed sensory neuropathy affecting the lower extremities. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hand osteoarthritis was not incurred in service, did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of service separation and is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral hand burns. Therefore, the claim for service connection for bilateral hand osteoarthritis has been denied.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a heart disability, lumbar spine disability, or bilateral hip disability during the pendency of this appeal. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's right foot disability, characterized by severe arthritis and hallux valgus, is rated at 30 percent disabling. The condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in loss of use of the foot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain gainful employment, which qualifies for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating and TDIU prior to the specified dates was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes, and her service-connected lumbar spine disability did not prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as any relevant Spanish-language records. The claim will be returned to the Board after this information has been reviewed.

The Veteran's right middle finger disability is rated at the maximum available evaluation (10%). The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or moderate paralysis, and thus a higher rating for his right middle finger disability is not warranted. For his left shoulder disability, the Board noted that there was no indication of chronicity within one year following service separation, and therefore presumptive service connection cannot be established. Service connection for the left shoulder disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that the current conditions are related to in-service injuries.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is linked to a dislocated shoulder during deployment, while his lumbar spine disability is attributed to chronic sprain/strain with no evidence of scoliosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to an effective date earlier than November 30, 2012 for the grant of service connection for status post left shoulder dislocation with osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has not determined whether any of these conditions are related to his time at Camp Lejeune. The rating assigned and effective date remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The right shoulder disability may have worsened since his last examination, and further evaluation is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection. The right hand sensory loss and arthritis are not rated higher than the current 30 percent, but the TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity neuropathy, and left lower extremity neuropathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome is not service-connected, and her left wrist disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis with mild scoliosis is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right lower extremity radiculopathy due to this condition is also rated at 10 percent.