Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected knee disabilities did not warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an additional examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, bilateral knees, and lower back to allow for new VA examinations that address whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, evaluation of left knee disability, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues include a right leg condition, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis and limitation of flexion, and TDIU. Additional evidence is needed from VA and the Veteran regarding inpatient treatment records at Ramstein Medical Clinic and SSA benefits decision. A new examination for left knee disability is required.

The claim for a higher initial rating than 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) with osteoarthritis based on limitation of motion is remanded due to the need for a retroactive VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee disability was denied. A 10 percent rating has been granted for the Veteran's service-connected left knee scars, effective September 22, 2017.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for a left hip condition and low back condition are remanded.

The Veteran's bacterial vaginosis claim was denied, and her wrist and foot conditions were granted initial ratings. The Board found the PTSD claim remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis and degenerative arthritis at L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1, is related to his military service. The Board found that the Veteran's current low back pain is related to his military service and the recurrent injuries therein.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right shoulder, right foot and toe, and left shoulder disabilities were granted with an effective date of December 19, 2003.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis effective January 29, 2018, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The appeals are related to his PTSD, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and back disability.

The Veteran's pre-patellar bursitis of the bilateral knees was granted a 10 percent rating prior to March 4, 2019. From March 4, 2019 forward, his degenerative arthritis of the left knee is granted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for his right knee conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for left knee degenerative arthritis was denied as her condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder was reopened and granted. Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is denied, as it is less likely than not related to service. The Veteran's bilateral foot arthritis remains remanded for further examination.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a prostate condition is dismissed. The issue of entitlement to service connection for left thumb degenerative arthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis has been rated at 20 percent for limitation of abduction, but the ratings for limitation of extension and flexion have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has decided the increased rating claim for left ankle sprain status-post Watson-Jones reconstruction, but has remanded the service connection claim for right knee status post meniscus tear with degenerative arthritis as secondary to the service-connected left ankle.