Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder tendinopathy with tears of the tendon and labrum, as well as osteoarthritis of the right knee. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection was also denied for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction (ED), which the Board found to be unrelated to service.

The Board denied service connection for dry mouth and bilateral CTS, as well as various rating claims. The Veteran's hallux valgus, pes planus, cervical spine conditions, and shoulder separation were all rated appropriately.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including his meniscus tear and degenerative arthritis, is being reviewed due to new evidence submitted since the last decision. The Board has decided that this issue needs further consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need to consider additional VA treatment records and ensure proper consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the case is no longer in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his right knee disabilities and bilateral hearing loss disability are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder was denied as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.,An evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was also denied, as the evidence did not show limitation of motion to less than 135 degrees.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the back was evaluated as 10 percent prior to June 8, 2015 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that neither evaluation met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and lumbar spine osteoarthritis with IVDS have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for either condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU. The Board has remanded the case to determine if referral to the Director of Compensation Service is warranted due to exceptional circumstances.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left shoulder osteoarthritis are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU due to incomplete VA examinations, including lack of joint testing for pain on both active and passive motion, and failure to provide an estimate of functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella are proximately due to his service-connected right knee replacement, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of prostrating attacks for migraine headaches, ankylosis in the right thumb, or limitation of motion in the right index finger.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disability and right testicular cyst excision, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis and a pulmonary disorder, claimed COPD, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has been rated as degenerative arthritis, with associated radiculopathy and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is granted for increased ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and determine if there are any flare-ups or functional limitations.