Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right hip disability, characterized by limitation of flexion and external rotation, is rated at 10 percent for the period prior to June 30, 2017. The appeal was granted in part, with a separate rating of 10 percent for further functional impairment.

The Veteran's chondromalacia patella of both knees has been rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for limitation of flexion or extension to the levels required for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the Veteran's claims for service connection involving her right elbow, right hip, left hip, low back, sinus, and hypertension conditions. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records from rheumatologists and undergo examinations to determine the nature of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of increasing his rating for lumbar spine disability.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability rating from 10 percent to 40 percent effective July 1, 2016. The case is remanded for a VA examination of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and herpes zoster was withdrawn. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and elbow conditions are not service-connected, as the evidence does not support a finding that they were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis in both knees, a right-hand condition, bilateral cataracts (claimed as vision impairment), and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The decision does not specify any exposure basis or indicate whether the case involves the PACT Act.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to February 26, 2011, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for another VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 because the evidence did not support a finding that his additional right shoulder disability was caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error.

The Board denied service connection for a groin disability, including bilateral hip osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right hip conditions and his in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for Actinic Keratosis of Face and Arms, left knee strain with Osteoarthritis, and right knee strain with Osteoarthritis have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea and low back disability are secondary to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, specifically osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not demonstrate limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine is granted.,Service connection for bilateral hip pain, to include secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine is remanded.,Service connection for sleep apnea, to include secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee osteoarthritis are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional private medical records.

The Veteran's SMC claims are remanded for further development and adjudication, including a VA examination to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to perform daily activities.