Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded three issues related to Raynaud’s-like vascular disability of the left foot, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and osteoarthritis of the left ankle due to pending appeals for effective date determinations.

The Veteran's left ring finger degenerative arthritis, status-post fracture is currently rated as 0 percent disabling. The Board has determined that an addendum opinion from the August 2014 examiner is needed to reconcile findings of prior examinations and assess functional limitations due to flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's right hip disability, which includes osteonecrosis of the femoral head with acetabular fracture and hip osteoarthritis following surgery, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as his impairment does not rise to the level of markedly severe residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the cervical spine due to a lack of recent VA examination records.

The Board has granted service connection on a secondary basis for the Veteran's left hip condition, right hip condition, and back condition due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of both knees have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a parathyroid tumor removal has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's initial rating for right knee osteoarthritis was denied, and the claim for service connection of a right ankle disorder secondary to his right knee disability is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence received since the January 2013 Statement of the Case, including a September 2017 VA examination. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is being returned to the RO for further consideration.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including a meniscal tear with frequent episodes of locking and joint pain, is rated at 20 percent since August 2015. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from September 9, 2014 to May 27, 2016. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with levoscoliosis and strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis in multiple joints (excluding the low back), an eye disability, sinusitis, bronchitis, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and skin disability. The decision also dismissed appeals for residuals of malaria and skin cancer.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, right hip fracture, and left hip fracture as the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, which he claims is related to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with herniated disc, L4-5. The issue has been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis is granted. The appeal regarding the secondary service connection for a left knee condition is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip disability, including replacement surgery, is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including tendinitis and osteoarthritis, began during his last period of active service.,His right hand and left hand disabilities are presumed to have existed prior to service. The right hand disability was aggravated by service, while the left hand disability did not undergo an increase in severity during service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is presumed to have existed prior to service and began during his last period of active service.,His right knee disability, including tendinitis and osteoarthritis, preexisted service but was aggravated by service. The left ear status post tympanoplasty disability began during active service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, but granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful extension from June 14, 2017. The case is remanded to determine if service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to diabetes mellitus can be established.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial ratings for left knee, right ankle, and left ankle osteoarthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.