Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the highest available rating of 20 percent. A separate 30 percent rating for his peroneal and sensory sural neuropathy is granted, effective May 1, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating and increased ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess current functional limitations during flare-ups, as well as vocational rehabilitation records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder conditions and an increased rating for migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by limited motion and stiffness, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right hip disorder, including osteoarthritis, acetabular osteophyte (AO), and bursitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of her symptoms, particularly those related to Gulf War service. The VA will conduct further examinations and provide a thorough review of her medical records.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, were denied service connection. The Board found that the conditions did not manifest to a compensable degree in service or within the applicable presumptive period.,There is no evidence of arthritis in the knees during service, and continuity of symptomatology was not established.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine were diagnosed during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, left hip, and left knee disabilities claimed as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded for a more comprehensive examination to assess the current severity of her condition.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, both claimed as secondary to knee disabilities. The Veteran's right knee disability was already service-connected.,For a scar on the right knee, the Veteran received a 10 percent evaluation initially in May 2012.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine are caused by his service-connected right knee instability and degenerative arthritis.,There is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is caused by his service-connected right knee instability and degenerative arthritis. The evidence is approximately evenly balanced on this issue.,The Veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by his service-connected right carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to November 18, 2013 for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the cervical spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, status post C5 vertebral fracture was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent disability rating for IVDS of the cervical spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, status post C5 vertebral fracture prior to November 18, 2013 was denied.,The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for right upper radiculopathy associated with IVDS of cervical spine and left upper radiculopathy associated with IVDS of cervical spine prior to November 18, 2013 were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right little finger disability is remanded due to evidence of potentially worsening symptoms and the nearly six years since the last examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder disability is related to his service. The claim will be reviewed again with additional medical examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the elbow, bilateral acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, bilateral patellar femoral syndrome, degenerative spondylosis, dermatitis, and IBS. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by his competent testimony regarding symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability requires further examination and review due to inconsistencies in the April 2018 VA examination report. The issues of increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis, temporary total rating for a right knee replacement, and TDIU are all remanded.

The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, which include degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, tinnitus, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, left sciatic radiculopathy, reactive airway disease, a right knee baker's cyst, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, left inguinal herniorrhaphy, and chronic maxillary sinusitis. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for eligibility to individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for both knee osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea are inadequate, and thus remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran was found not to have current left ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and his employment as a service technician was considered in determining that he could secure and follow substantially gainful employment.