Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right shoulder labral tear with mild degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that his pain limits motion to shoulder level. The issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for this condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left hip with thigh impairment and painful motion, as well as limitation of flexion, is denied. The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under specific DCs.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and medical opinions regarding service connection for a bilateral foot disorder with gout, osteoarthritis, and hypertension. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for updated VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip disability, which resulted in a total hip replacement, is at least as likely as not related to an in-service accident where he was hit by a car and landed on his left side. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, characterized as degenerative disc disease, herniated nucleus pulposus, and cervical spine C5-6, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right hip disability and granted a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis with hypertrophic turbinates. The claims for service connection for left hip disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion of the right knee, osteoarthritis and limitation of motion of the left knee, and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis of all joints, cervical spine disability, and radiculopathy of both lower extremities due to incomplete development. The effective dates for service connection are not being granted as they arose on January 26, 2010.

The Board has remanded both issues due to the need for additional medical examination and development of evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not manifest during or within the applicable presumptive period and is not related to her in-service CMP.

The Board denied the veteran's surviving spouse's claims for Aid and Attendance benefits and nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of evidence demonstrating that the appellant requires aid and attendance or meets other eligibility requirements.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and depressive disorder NOS are found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder status post rotator cuff and cartilage repair with osteoarthritis has also been denied due to the lack of evidence showing limitation of motion at or below the shoulder level.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of the left ankle, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and mild anterior wedging of L1 with disc space narrowing of the lumbar spine at L1-L4 were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including during flare-ups and when used repeatedly over time. The examiner is asked to provide estimates of additional range of motion loss or functional loss experienced by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirement for VR&E benefits as he has overcome any impairment of employment to which his service-connected conditions have contributed.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for a low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral chronic plantar fasciitis, bilateral degenerative arthritis to the midtarsal joints, and bilateral chronic metatarsalgia. The Veteran's pre-existing hammer toe condition was also found to be aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his military service. The VA needs to obtain additional medical opinions and review all relevant records.

The Veteran's appeal of the effective date earlier than March 27, 2015 for the award of an increased 20 percent rating for left knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The claims of entitlement to higher ratings for left knee PFPS and right ankle disorder are remanded.