Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, but denied a higher rating. The case is remanded to determine if rheumatoid arthritis should be service connected as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is etiologically linked to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, and the Board found that he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from March 30, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis and TDIU was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates related to his service-connected cervical disc disease, ilio-inguinal nerve entrapment, and service connection are being remanded due to the addition of new VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examinations conducted during the appeal period. Additional VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder as secondary to his service-connected right anterior deltoid resection due to negative medical opinions and lack of a positive nexus.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of updated treatment records and an incomplete VA examination. The Veteran's service-connected low back disability needs further evaluation.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, finding that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has dismissed appeals for higher ratings for the Veteran's right wrist condition and bilateral hearing loss, as well as service connection claims.

The Veteran's back disability, rated at 10 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (DC 5242), is not productive of limitation of motion or other symptoms warranting a higher rating. The Board denied an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hip was denied in a December 2011 rating decision. The RO granted service connection for left lumbar radiculopathy with an effective date of July 1, 2010, which is later than the earliest possible effective date for the grant of service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hip (September 30, 2013).

The Veteran's service connection for right lower lumbar radiculopathy, temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence after March 16, 2012, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of his spouse have been withdrawn. The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis lumbosacral spine has been granted a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot injury is related to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not specified.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis, an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, service connection for allergic rhinitis, and service connection for sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claims of right knee osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis (claimed as lower back), and squamous cell carcinoma involving the face.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a rating in excess of 40 percent for a spine disability, including degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and cervical strain. The Board dismissed the appeal as per the Veteran's request.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD, right ankle and knee disabilities, and prostate cancer residuals. The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations to assess his current disability levels.