Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been evaluated and denied, with no new evidence or changes in condition warranting a different rating.

The Board dismissed all issues of appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected sacroiliac joint dysfunction, left knee osteoarthritis, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have all been rated at the minimum 10 percent level.,No higher ratings are warranted for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder conditions, specifically whether an August or September 2010 fall likely produced either or both acromioclavicular separation and degenerative changes.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for retrospective opinions on the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability and its combined effects with his service-connected psychiatric disorder. The claims will be readjudicated after this development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period, effective from the date of this decision. The rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's mechanical low back disability has not been manifested by forward flexion to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion (ROM) not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness severe enough to result in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for back disorder, right ankle disorder, radiculopathy in the right leg as secondary to back disorder, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) as secondary to an ankle disorder. The left leg radiculopathy was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for right wrist injury and right knee condition, thus denying service connection.,The Board has also determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the spine. The Board has therefore denied service connection for this condition as well.

An effective date of August 20, 1986, but no earlier, for the award of service connection for a left knee disability is granted.,An initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with IVDS is denied.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral ankle disorders, IBS, left hip replacement, right hip disorder (including degenerative arthritis), and knee disorders. The claims were not reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. As his combined rating is at least 60%, he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient examinations and need for additional development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent prior to September 19, 2016 and at 20 percent from that date. The right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent prior to August 11, 2015 and at 30 percent from that date.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been granted a higher rating of 20 percent from September 19, 2016. The right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis has been granted a higher rating of 30 percent from August 11, 2015.

The Veteran's initial rating for intervertebral disc syndrome is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for a bilateral hip condition and right knee strain with osteoarthritis are both denied due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability (osteoarthritis) and a postoperative scar of the right ankle, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea (secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis), and hallux valgus of the right great toe, hammer toes second, fourth, and fifth toes, and mild osteoarthritis great toe have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or further clarification is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hip and psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the current severity of his knee and lumbar spine disabilities, including functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee osteoarthritis, as well as entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded.