Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected healed lower mandible fracture residuals, left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia and degenerative arthritis of the left mandible. The evidence showed that the inter-incisal range was limited to 24 mm., which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to newly reported symptoms suggesting a worsening of his lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical strain claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Prior to September 29, 2017, the Veteran’s radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 10 percent. Beginning September 29, 2017, it has been rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's hernia scar is currently rated at 10 percent and remanded for further evaluation.,Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was previously rated at 10 percent prior to September 29, 2017. Beginning that date, it has been rated at 20 percent.

Service connection for a left shoulder condition is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran has been in receipt of the maximum rating assignable for limitation of extension (i.e., 10 percent) of the left hip. For the period from December 1, 2018 to February 13, 2019, the evidence shows the Veteran’s left and right hip flexion was limited to, at worst, 30 degrees.,For the period prior to December 1, 2018, and after February 13, 2019, the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis, limitation of flexion have not been met. A compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's PTSD has more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks; symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, or total social and occupational impairment are not demonstrated. A rating of 30 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, foot disability (bilateral plantar fasciitis), and left hand disability (claimed as loss of motor skills) due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to address his service connection claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and left patellofemoral pain syndrome with strain, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal as there was no valid 'freestanding' earlier effective date claim raised after a final RO decision on service connection for left knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. His degenerative arthritis of the right great toe is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet his request for a higher rating. The residuals of his right third metatarsal fracture are also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for gout was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has decided that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from 40 percent to 10 percent, effective June 1, 2017 was not proper and restored a 40 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for a low back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and enthesopathy, bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, tinnitus, and cognitive disability (including Alzheimer's disease) are all granted as service-connected. The Veteran is also eligible for an automobile and/or specially adapted equipment.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for left hip degenerative arthritis and residuals of total left hip arthroplasty. The Veteran's memory loss claim is also remanded.

The Board has decided that service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the case of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is sent back to VA for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right knee and chondrocalcinosis of the left knee were denied. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, fatigue, and residuals of a left shoulder injury. Effective dates earlier than October 10, 2017, were also denied for the grant of service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis with IVDS due to lack of information on functional impairment during flare-ups or overuse, as well as the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, lumbar spine, and right lower extremity disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, left knee condition, and right knee osteoarthritis. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is reopened, and the case is remanded for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left knee disability and the severity of his cervical spine disability.