Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 50%, which does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right below the knee amputation is associated with his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) as he does not have a single 100% disability and is not permanently confined to his immediate premises due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the left and right knees have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for hip disorders have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and bilateral knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depressive disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, chondromalacia patellar with arthritis, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 20, 2018.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.,The Veteran's meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the right knee is rated at 20 percent prior to July 31, 2015 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.

The Board has remanded two issues: one regarding a rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and another for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve. The reasons are that the VA examinations did not provide sufficient information to assess the Veteran's functional impairment, particularly during flare-ups or after repeated use over time.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete actions and requests for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any neck and lower back disorders.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is denied for ratings in excess of the currently assigned 10% and 20% prior to April 4, 2016 and from April 4, 2016 to March 22, 2019 respectively.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical evidence and a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is related to service-connected disability or aggravated by it.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain and service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as the Board finds that his current disability is related to an in-service injury and continuous symptoms since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left little finger has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The new evidence does not relate to the issue.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for injury right thumb has been readjudicated due to the submission of relevant evidence.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis with limitation of motion, and a separate 10 percent rating is granted for residuals of the meniscectomy. The left knee disability remains at 10 percent for arthritis with no additional issues addressed.

The Veteran's right knee disability and sleep apnea are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.