Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Veteran's increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right ankle osteoarthritis and Achilles tendonitis, left ankle osteoarthritis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee osteoarthritis and limitation of extension are remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to issues with the rating decisions for left and right knee subluxation, as well as the TDIU. The claims on appeal are also being remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from May 30, 2008. Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with this condition are also granted a 10 percent rating each, effective from May 30, 2008. Bilateral hearing loss prior to June 22, 2017 is denied, but granted at 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable by December 6, 2009. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted for the period from December 6, 2009 to July 14, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right foot disability, including plantar fasciitis and posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral wrists, hypertension, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's internal derangement left shoulder with arthritis and ankylosis, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in significant functional impairment. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to grant a higher rating prior to January 5, 2012, and greater than 30 percent beginning January 5, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. However, the appeals for other conditions remain pending as they require further development.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating from 20 percent to 0 percent for traumatic injury, right knee was improper. The Veteran's appeal is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record. The examiner is instructed to provide an opinion on whether the veteran's current knee disorders are related to his military service, including any osteochondritis dissecans that may have existed prior to enlistment.

The Veteran requested to reopen his claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but before a decision was made by the Board, he withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's right wrist injury is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects moderate impairment of Muscle Groups VIII and IX. The Board finds that the current rating adequately compensates for his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. Additional evidence and a new examination are needed.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disability, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, and right leg disability. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and conduct examinations to assess these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his current bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Additional examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have worsened since his last VA examination in December 2016. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to evaluate the current severity of these conditions.