Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals for ratings greater than 20 percent for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees were denied. The criteria for these ratings have not been met during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's current 10 percent ratings for his left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee is remanded due to insufficient evidence from previous examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, including OA and residuals of a fracture and tendonitis, is now rated at 30 percent. The claim for TDIU remains denied as the evidence does not support his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his left knee disability, as well as the service connection of his right knee disorders. The issues include seeking a higher rating for his left knee condition and determining if his right knee conditions are secondary to his service-connected left knee and/or right ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis and strain due to the lack of evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or less; or combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis has been granted a rating of 30 percent effective from the date of claim, January 29, 2018. The appeal is denied for ratings in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has granted separate 10 percent ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction remains pending. Additionally, the Board has remanded claims for service connection for the cause of death, abdominal aorta aneurysm, and heart condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal of these issues prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion is granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent, and his right knee instability is granted a separate 10 percent disability rating. The TDIU claim prior to April 30, 2013 is also granted.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right thumb is now rated at 20 percent effective July 25, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right shoulder impingement syndrome, finding that these conditions are related to in-service injuries. The Veteran's current symptoms have been found to be at least as likely as not caused by her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal of their claim for an increased rating for a cervical spine disability, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, degenerative disc disease lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain with osteoarthritis. The Board has also determined that a remand is necessary for the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to May 9, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected lumbar spine condition and bilateral knee conditions are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

Service connection for low back disability is denied. A rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder is granted, effective December 11, 2015.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hip disorder as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS, finding that there was no evidence showing it was caused or aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle sprain and osteoarthritis are related to an in-service injury, and service connection is granted.