Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination and readjudication of the claims.

The Veteran's left and right knee degenerative arthritis have been rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no indication of limitation of flexion or extension beyond what is already contemplated by these ratings.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and total knee replacement, has been rated at 60 percent since January 1, 2012. The appeal is granted for this rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to deficiencies in the December 2016 VA examination, specifically regarding functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use. The case will be returned for an addendum opinion.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees as secondary to bilateral pes planus and ankle disabilities.,However, the claims were vacated due to failure to adjudicate on a direct-incurrence basis.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the right knee and residuals of a total left knee replacement. The issues of increased ratings for lumbar spine DDD and lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded this case due to inadequate reasons and bases in the August 2015 decision, requiring a new VA examination of the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left shoulder.