Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis and L5-S1 degenerative disc disease, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee tendonitis. The decision states that no medical evidence supports a link between these conditions and his service-connected condition.

The Board has found that additional development is required before the remaining claims are decided, including for VA examinations of the Veteran's left shoulder and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective August 15, 2014.,An initial rating of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis is granted effective June 2, 2015. The Veteran also received a separate compensable rating of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the lower left extremity.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status, as well as a request for service connection for secondary disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's meniscus complications of the right knee are rated at a separate 20% evaluation, and his osteoarthritis of the right knee is rated at 10%. The limitation of extension of the right knee is rated at 30% since August 19, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted. The claims for increased ratings, hearing loss, heart condition, and knee/heel disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder degenerative arthritis with limitation of motion is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis, as well as clarification on an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a back disability, service connection for a genitourinary disability, and service connection for residuals of the removal of the right fallopian tube. A new examination is required in each case.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for neutropenia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including GAD, PTSD, depression), bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis have been reopened. The new evidence supports the claim that his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

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

The Board has granted the reopening of the previously denied claims for osteoarthritis and back pain, but has remanded the right hip disability claim due to outstanding records and need for further examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder or neck disability, including bursitis. The case is remanded to determine if these disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee status post meniscectomy, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for his right 4th metacarpal fracture and service connection for his right knee disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development, including scheduling an examination and considering whether extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board denied extraschedular ratings for the Veteran's left great toe implant and right foot osteoarthritis, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to combined effects of these disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder and bilateral hip conditions were denied service connection as they did not manifest within one year of separation from active duty.,A 20% rating was granted for status post-operative left Achilles tendonitis, effective September 9, 2009 to October 16, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, is related to an in-service injury. The bilateral leg disorders, diagnosed as left lower extremity (LLE) radiculopathy and right lower extremity (RLE) radiculopathy, are proximately due to his back disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees, have been rated at 10 percent each since December 1, 2008. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate based on the current functional limitations.