Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted service connection. A 30 percent rating, but no higher, for cervical spine disability (degenerative arthritis) and a 40 percent rating, but no higher, for lumbar spine disability (degenerative arthritis) are granted.

The Board found that the reduction in the disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine from 40 percent to 10 percent was proper based on improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Board has granted service connection for trochanteric pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the hips as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities, effective from August 25, 2008. The rating assigned is a 20 percent disability rating for right knee subluxation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left hip disabilities, as well as his claim for right hip osteoarthritis. The decision found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine, left knee, and stomach conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA clinician regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and metatarsalgia.

The Board denied an effective date prior to September 8, 2009 for the award of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis with scars. The December 1970 rating decision denying service connection was not reversed or revised on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted, while his appeal for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination and for submission of a VA 21-8940 form.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tear are found to be aggravated by his service-connected Achilles tendon rupture, which is granted. The left knee disability issue is remanded for an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board has denied service connection for low back disorder and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to lack of a nexus between current disabilities and in-service events.,While the Veteran suffers from current back conditions, there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which suggests that his current left ankle disability may be related to service. A new VA examination is needed to determine if this is true.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain and denied the claim, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic back disorder during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is now rated at 40 percent effective October 22, 2018. Service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities has also been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for osteoarthritis of the right ankle is remanded due to evidence of worsening symptoms. A new VA examination is required to assess the current severity of this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the other issues due to incomplete rationale in the VA examination reports.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, prior to October 2017, is granted a 20 percent rating. The issues of temporary total disability rating after surgery and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine and scoliosis are related to his service, including any misdiagnosis in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity involving the femoral nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity involving the sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity involving the femoral nerve, osteoarthritis of the right knee, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and tinnitus, render him unable to obtain substantial gainful employment. As a result, the Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding flare-ups and range of motion. The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis condition is being reviewed for a higher disability rating.