Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities (patellofemoral pain syndrome with osteoarthritis) and lumbar strain have been evaluated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right shoulder, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, left hip, right hip, and knee osteoarthritis are all granted service connection as they were related to in-service parachute jumps.,The Veteran's countable income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate for a Veteran with one dependent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective April 8, 2014. The rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity remains at 20 percent. Prostatitis and epididymitis to include erectile dysfunction are rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2014 to August 16, 2015; 40 percent from August 17, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to June 1, 2014 is granted.

The Veteran's depressive disorder was found to be incurred in service, with the Board finding that reasonable doubt should be resolved in his favor.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, sarcoidosis, lung damage/bronchitis, congestive heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disability and a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability. The matter regarding low back disability was remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss disability have been denied. The claim for an increased rating for tinnitus has also been denied.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for a new examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also being remanded as it may be impacted by the outcome of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating since August 21, 2013. His low back and bilateral foot disabilities have also been granted increased ratings.

Back, right knee and lower leg, left knee and lower leg conditions granted.,Right wrist condition denied.,Bilateral hearing loss not met criteria for service connection.,Service connection granted for right shoulder and arm, left shoulder and arm, left wrist condition, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis, post-surgery, is rated at 20 percent. A compensable rating of 10 percent for a painful scar on the right shoulder post-surgery is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, lower back, upper back, and shoulder disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not presumed to have hepatitis C or an eye disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the left hip joint associated with left knee instability is remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The case will be returned for further evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5242. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on additional functional loss due to pain or other factors.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 29, 2015. The evidence showed that his range of motion was within normal limits and he did not have muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Board has reopened the claims for right knee and left knee disabilities, but remanded them due to the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left thigh injury, strain, and osteoarthritis as well as a back disability are denied. The claim for reopening the left thigh/hip condition is also denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is granted. The left ankle, lumbar spine, and foot disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

Service connection for PTSD is granted, and a 10 percent disability rating for right ankle sprain is granted. The remaining issues are remanded.