Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's disability rating for pes planus, bilateral, with osteoarthritis of the left first MTP and fifth interphalangeal joints was reduced from 50% to 10%, but this reduction is not proper. The Court has restored a 50% disability rating effective April 10, 2017.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, which includes osteoarthritis and a herniated nucleus pulposus at L5, is rated at 40 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes with total duration of at least six weeks in the past year.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disorders and whether new and material evidence was received to reopen his claim.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left and right foot disabilities, other than pes planus, have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment beginning September 29, 2008.,The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine disability, a compensable evaluation for left shoulder impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, and a compensable evaluation for intermittent facial numbness of the left side of the face.

The Veteran's initial higher rating for Headache Syndrome prior to August 12, 2015 was denied. A 50% disability rating is granted from that date onwards. The claims of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for Right Hip Degenerative Arthritis and Left Hip Degenerative Arthritis are remanded. The claim of entitlement to an increased rating for Lumbosacral Intervertebral Disc Syndrome is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left knee, heart and skin disabilities is dismissed. Service connection for a left knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left otitis media was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for a spine disability and balance problems secondary to perforated left tympanic membrane were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo examinations and obtain additional medical records, as well as for further consideration of his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and stenosis of the cervical spine, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, which was diagnosed in service and considered a chronic disability.

The Veteran's left knee condition, including meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, and ligament sprain, is not service-connected.,Her lumbar strain does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition (degenerative arthritis) and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hand condition, cataracts with dry eye syndrome and glaucoma suspect as secondary to service-connected hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.,There is no evidence of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease is denied. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of its onset during service or within one year after separation. The VA medical opinions concluded that the current condition is less likely related to military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder disability as secondary to his already service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot first metatarsal condition, including osteoarthritis, hallux rigidis limitus, and hallux valgus, was not incurred during service or due to a service-connected right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and right hip disorders, as well as the rating claim for osteoarthritis of the right knee. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.