Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to inadequate examination findings and need for further testing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD and bilateral hand arthritis, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 16, 2015. A total disability rating for individual unemployability is granted effective that date.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder condition, including rotator cuff tendonitis and glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service or related to an in-service injury. The preponderance of the evidence supported this conclusion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The reasons are that a new VA examination is needed due to the passage of time since the last VA examination and because the prior examinations were inadequate in rendering opinions regarding additional functional loss during flare-ups.

The claims for service connection for glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (claimed as left shoulder disability) and right shoulder impingement syndrome with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis are denied. The claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and right knee are granted.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder dislocation and DJD of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service. Service connection for bilateral knee disability was also denied as there is insufficient evidence of a current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection and increased ratings, as they are inextricably intertwined. The claims will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The case is being remanded due to the need for full compliance with contested claims procedures, including providing the Veteran and his attorney copies of relevant documents and informing them about their representation rights.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left heel spur, and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn. The Board has not found a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.,The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded for further examination and opinion. His right ankle tendonitis and bilateral knee disabilities are also remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a lumbar spine disability and has awarded service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The appeal for an increased rating for residuals of a comminuted fracture of the radius and ulna, left forearm is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for right hand and wrist disabilities, finding no direct relationship to service. Service connection was granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities, finding that there was no evidence showing she is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective October 22, 2012. Effective the same date, he also received a compensable rating for malaria and an increased rating for his low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the buttocks and bilateral lower extremities, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support this claim.,A 20 percent disability rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was also granted.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran's current low back disorders did not have their onset in service and are not otherwise related to active military service.

The Veteran's left and right knee degenerative osteoarthritis, as well as his hemorrhoids, are granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a 10% rating for his hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2011, for the grant of service connection for paresthesias, lower left extremity is dismissed as there can be no freestanding claim for an earlier effective date.,The Veteran’s neurogenic bladder has not been manifested by voiding dysfunction requiring the use of an appliance or the wearing of absorbent material.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's left foot disability is granted a rating of 30 percent prior to September 20, 2010. The Board has found that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether his left ankle strain and right ankle strain are related to service-connected disabilities. His claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of his knees have been remanded due to inadequate examination reports.