Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy and other symptoms related to her degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with posterolisthesis.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 20% rating prior to October 21, 2014 and denied any higher rating after that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative arthritis with spondylosis, right hip strain as secondary to the low back disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the low back disability. Service connection was denied for left hip disorder and left leg disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for a left knee disorder and kidney disorder, as well as an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left ankle. The effective date for the grant of an evaluation of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left ankle is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were denied service connection. The Veteran's initial rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability, specifically his contention that it was caused by carrying heavy gear during service. The claim will be further developed and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examinations and lack of retrospective functional loss assessment.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated based on its impact on his work and daily life.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and testimony regarding the Veteran's right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis. A new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of his claimed condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete adjudication. The AOJ must address the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee joint osteoarthritis prior to September 27, 2016.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's radiculopathy is being examined further regarding its relation to his service-connected lumbar myositis and other back disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to service and is therefore denied. The right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disorder and PTSD were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left knee arthritis was also denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim from January 14, 2015 to present is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at 20 percent from February 12, 2012 to July 2, 2018. A separate 10 percent rating for right arm numbness (right cervical radiculopathy) has been granted since July 2, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and tendonitis are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Codes 5260-5261. The Board found no additional functional loss or impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to his military service and insufficient competent medical evidence to establish a nexus between his current disability and service.