Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and potential extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding no new and material evidence since the final February 2007 rating decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes adhesive capsulitis and degenerative osteoarthritis, has been rated at 20 percent. The Board denied an increased rating as the evidence does not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to a lack of recent medical examination and testing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition is reopened, and the appeal is granted to this extent. The claims for right knee osteoarthritis with knee replacement are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbar stenosis and spondylolithesis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right-sided sciatica was denied. The rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy and right-sided sciatica from May 9, 2012 to September 24, 2014 was granted at a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with legible copies of VA Form 21-2680s, conflicting findings in the April 2015 private and VA examination reports, and a need for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative joint disease before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at 40 percent since January 3, 2006. The Board granted a higher rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause of death and its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left knee surgery for osteoarthritis resulting from service-connected arthritis is granted a temporary total rating of 100% for one year following the procedure.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and initial disability ratings due to new evidence received by VA.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was rated 10% prior to February 11, 2015 and not higher. The effective date for the assignment of a 20% disability rating is denied.,PTSD service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left ankle degenerative arthritis, partial tear and thickling of anterior talofibular ligament and tenosynovitis posterior tibialis tendon was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left calf muscle atrophy was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.,Left knee strain service connection was granted with an effective date of February 11, 2015. Prior claims were not adjudicated as they were final due to lack of appeal within one year.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected thoracolumbar strain with kyphoscoliosis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records from Dr. W. G.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities has been denied. The Board also remanded the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral knee conditions due to new evidence suggesting an increase in severity.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his right hand little finger DIP joint fracture is denied. However, he is granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the right hand little finger and thumb.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and meniscectomy residuals, is currently rated at 20 percent from February 6, 2018. The appeal was granted for a separate rating of 20 percent for the residuals of the meniscectomy.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability and remanded it due to insufficient evidence. The claims for hypertension, low back strain with spondylolysis, osteopenia, arthritis, and DDD, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are also remanded as further development is needed.