Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, including whether it is related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to September 12, 2011 for cervical spine radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis have been granted.,Effective from September 27, 2001, the Veteran is service-connected for cervical stenosis and disc disease, headaches as secondary to neck injury, and left trapezius muscle strain associated with cervical spine radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder (including osteoarthritis) and denied service connection for a neck disorder (including cervical strain). The Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is related to his in-service injuries, while the preponderance of evidence does not support finding that his current neck disorder was incurred in or otherwise related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left wrist degenerative arthritis, depression, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) lumbar spine with left leg radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for hepatitis C.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability due to its change in state since her last examination.

Service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety is granted. Service connection for sleep apnea, headaches, and a neck disorder are denied. The rating for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder remains remanded.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's hip and knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar strain. The main issues are for a higher rating in excess of 20 percent for various hip and knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy, including numbness of the right ear, right upper extremity to include shoulder and arm, and left arm. The Veteran's condition is linked to his in-service injury playing football.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, which includes osteoarthritis and residual of a left ankle injury, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as potential need for new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's military service and training environment contributed to his current condition.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the right knee osteoarthritis and subluxation issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims were denied in a February 2006 rating decision. He filed to reopen the previously denied claims on January 10, 2011, and they were granted effective from that date.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no in-service injury or event leading to these conditions. The claim for bronchitis is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected pneumonia.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence linking it to service or any other condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, DDD of the cervical spine with spasms, and DDD of the lumbosacral spine due to a lack of detailed range of motion findings and functional loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney indicating a wish to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of left hallux valgus, right foot scar, and left foot scar were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right leg disorder was denied because there is no evidence of an additional chronic disability to the right leg other than those already attributed to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, thus his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating due to lack of pain-free flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.