Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of medial arthrotomy of the left knee were granted a 20 percent rating prior to December 3, 2013. The condition was characterized by dislocated semilunar cartilage with joint effusion and locking episodes.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder was denied. For the period prior to March 11, 2019, a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted due to limitation of motion at shoulder level. From March 11, 2019 onward, a rating in excess of 30 percent is also not warranted.

The Veteran's disability ratings were restored and increased, but the claim for an increase in his left knee disability was denied.

Effective dates of December 5, 2007 have been granted for right carpal tunnel syndrome, right wrist chronic sprain, degenerative arthritis of the spine (claimed as degenerative disease, lower back), bilateral pes planus (claimed as left foot and right foot condition), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and tinnitus.,Effective dates prior to July 3, 2014 have been denied for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis ethoidectomy, maxillary sinus reconstruction and polypectomies, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (claimed as pain, numbness), and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (claimed as pain, numbness).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Parkinson’s disease and a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disability is being readjudicated due to new evidence. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of left knee degenerative arthritis and that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether this disability began during active service. For the higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss, an initial rating higher than 20 percent from August 21, 2017 through January 28, 2019 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus and a back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and treatment.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar spine condition and service connection for his stroke, to include transient ischemic attack, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine degenerative arthritis disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and concluding that the current condition is more likely due to aging and being overweight.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of left hip osteoarthritis as it was granted in a previous rating decision. The issue of secondary service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability and left quadriceps atrophy are granted service connection. The low back disability is reopened, but the right knee disability remains denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for a cervical spine condition was reopened and denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.,A rating above 10 percent is granted for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) since October 24, 2016. The right ankle scar remains at 10 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating from October 24, 2015 to October 23, 2016 and above 10 percent since that date is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, specifically his plantar fasciitis and pes planus.

The Veteran's allergic reactions and bilateral feet condition are not service-connected.,The Veteran's sinusitis is not service-connected.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability is manifested by at worst forward flexion to 50 degrees. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderately severe incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderate incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left knee condition is manifested by at worst frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right knee traumatic arthritis is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s PTSD is manifested by at worst flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, sleep impairment, depression, anxiety, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left wrist disability is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional evaluations of his right and left knee osteoarthritis, as well as his bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding no evidence of chronic disease noted in service or within the applicable presumptive period.,Service connection was also denied for a left forearm condition, with the Board concluding that there is not sufficient evidence to link the current condition to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, but the other issues related to right knee, left wrist, and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to outstanding STRs.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he has other service-connected disabilities that meet the threshold for a TDIU. The appeal is granted as to both issues.