Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional evidence and a proper examination of the Veteran's right knee.

The Veteran's claims for left hip, heart, bilateral ankle, stomach, and osteoarthritis disorders are denied as there is no current disability found in the record.,Service connection was not established for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral sprain and associated conditions are rated at 40 percent effective from November 13, 2018. Separate ratings of 20 percent each are granted for lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the right and left lower extremities. A rating of 10 percent is granted for instability in the right knee.

The Veteran's COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.,For the whole period on appeal, radiculopathy caused moderate incomplete paralysis of both upper extremities. The Veteran received a rating of 40 percent prior to March 5, 2019 for right upper extremity radiculopathy and a rating of 30 percent after that date for left upper extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated as 10 percent before March 5, 2019 and 30 percent thereafter. The Board found no evidence to warrant higher ratings based on the severity of symptoms.,Migraine headaches were not manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. However, he does not qualify for housebound benefits as his single service-connected disability rated at 100% does not meet the requirement of additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Veteran's back disability is remanded for further evaluation due to limitations in motion and pain, which may affect his ability to perform daily functions.

The Board has remanded the cases for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's knee conditions are related to service, considering his in-service complaints of pain and his diagnosis of PFPS at separation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence on whether the Veteran's bilateral elbow condition, including osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis status post L5-S1 laminectomy.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, but no higher, for painful limitation of motion to 25 degrees or less from the side.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 100% effective June 3, 2016.,TDIU on a schedular basis was denied as the Veteran did not meet minimum requirements prior to June 3, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for an evaluation higher than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee with limitation of flexion, and for an evaluation higher than 10 percent for post-operative torn medial meniscus of the right knee prior to April 5, 2019, and higher than 20 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to March 24, 2008 and 10 percent thereafter. The claim for increased ratings was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service. The left knee and left shoulder disability claims are remanded as additional development is needed, including obtaining STRs and verifying duty status.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The right shoulder tendinitis with impingement syndrome and right knee osteoarthritis are both denied ratings higher than the current 10 percent. A separate rating of 10 percent for instability of the right knee from February 11, 2015 is granted. Right hip tendonitis with painful motion and limited flexion does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be of such nature and severity as to prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment, thus granting TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for increased ratings and new evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide National Guard records and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability (claimed as degenerative arthritis) is remanded due to the need for an examination to determine the etiology of his claimed condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU from July 19, 2006 to November 26, 2007 due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis as secondary to a service-connected right shoulder disability because the Veteran's original claim did not encompass these conditions.