Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for left sciatic nerve compression with left leg radiculopathy and entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and low back strain due to evidence indicating that his disabilities have worsened since the last examination. The Veteran will need to provide updated private treatment records, including from Dr. J.W., and undergo another VA examination.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability due to permanent aggravation by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis was denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for limitation of extension from February 23, 2010 to November 8, 2015. A separate 10 percent rating is also granted for instability throughout the appeal period. For the period beginning January 19, 2018, a higher rating in excess of 40 percent for left knee osteoarthritis is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left knee disability, including a lack of examination records and potential pre-existing conditions. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private treatment records from Centinela Hospital.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities and considering functional limitations during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not service-connected prior to September 23, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the Veteran's allegation of increased severity since previous examinations and for issues related to a compensable rating for scalp lacerations and service connection for a left shoulder disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bronchitis, as the Veteran withdrew his appeal. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's spouse is granted an effective date of August 29, 2006 for additional VA compensation benefits due to the Veteran being rated at a 30% or greater disability rate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records, requiring further examination and development.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left lower extremity, right knee, and right lower extremity disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing such conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The Board has decided that more information is needed to determine if the Veteran's back pain qualifies for service connection. They have ordered additional medical records and a request for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of right knee degenerative arthritis was denied as there is no legal basis to grant such a request.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not linked to service or a service-connected disability.,Service connection was also denied for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for spondylosis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, right knee disability, chronic respiratory disability, and chronic sleep disability due to unresolved medical questions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and migraine headaches have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran was granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder with a noncompensable rating effective October 20, 2014.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to increased ratings and service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeals. The issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as he testified that his condition had increased in severity since his last examination.

The Veteran's right wrist disability has not been manifested by ankylosis or limitation of motion to the degree required for a higher rating. The claim is denied as there is no evidence of more than the currently assigned 10 percent rating.