Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded both the lumbar spine osteoarthritis and bilateral knees claims due to incomplete examination reports. The Veteran will need a new VA examination for these conditions.

The Veteran's request for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions were denied. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left hip degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating for limitation of flexion due to left hip degenerative arthritis was denied because her flexion was limited to 45 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 5252.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for limitation of extension due to left hip degenerative arthritis was granted as she is entitled to at least a 10 percent rating based on pain and limited motion, but not higher than the maximum available under DC 5251.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for impairment of thigh due to left hip degenerative arthritis was denied because her condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and denied increased ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis, total left knee arthroplasty, and postoperative right total knee arthroplasty prior to December 6, 2016 and from January 17, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and right hip osteoarthritis were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA disability evaluation criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability is denied as the evidence does not support credible reports of an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spondylosis prior to February 8, 2016; and 20 percent thereafter is denied. The Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spondylosis since February 8, 2016 is denied as there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; nor has favorable ankylosis been shown.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to May 23, 2014. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for his low back disability and dismissed the TDIU claim due to SMC already being in place.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder was granted at a 20 percent level, while his initial rating for DJD of the lumbar spine with grade I spondylolisthesis remains at a non-compensable level.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's initial and higher ratings for right knee conditions are denied. He is granted a TDIU effective January 31, 2005.

The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis has worsened since the last VA examination in November 2014. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and provide the Veteran with another VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance is granted as the evidence shows he needed regular aid and assistance at the time of his September 2011 informal claim.

The Board has remanded all issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims for additional development. The dismissal of the claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder (also claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) is due to a full grant of benefits in March 2018.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need new VA examinations for his back and neck disabilities, and the issue of TDIU is deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, including tendonitis and osteoarthritis. The Veteran's current right shoulder disability is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities and back disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically in terms of range of motion and flare-ups. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for his right shoulder disability due to incomplete examinations, lack of recent treatment records, and need for additional medical opinions.

The appellant's claim for a clothing allowance due to her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine brace is being remanded. The AOJ needs to review all relevant documents, including prior claims and evidence, and determine if the appellant’s lumbar spine brace meets the criteria for a clothing allowance in accordance with VA directives.