Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, is rated at a 30 percent level due to limitation of flexion to 15 degrees. The highest schedular rating for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing the appeals in November 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the hands and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrists due to a lack of medical opinion linking these conditions to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability ratings did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU and that he was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment in light of his education and occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee osteoarthritis and instability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding functional loss on flare-ups or repeated use over time. The Veteran is scheduled for a VA examination to provide these opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions were incurred in service.,Service connection was also granted for tension headaches. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied.

The Veteran's right foot disability, characterized by osteoarthritis and mild hammertoe of the fifth toe, has been rated at 20 percent since November 4, 2010. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities, as well as separate ratings for instability in both knees, were granted. However, a higher rating is denied for the left knee injury residuals and right knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for a rating more than 40 percent for low back disorder is denied, and his claim for TDIU remains denied as he does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis lumbar spine with scoliosis, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and a TDIU. The case is remanded to consider additional evidence received since the last rating decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, right and left knee disabilities, right and left shoulder disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), migraine disability, abscess in genital area, and right hip condition due to potential issues with medical evidence not being reviewed.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent for the entire initial rating period from July 1, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred or caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's PTSD, right knee instability, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including DJD. The examiner is asked to provide an updated opinion on whether the current right shoulder disability is related to service or developed within one year of separation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee and spine disabilities, as well as his ankle disabilities. The main reasons for remand include obtaining additional VA treatment records and conducting a new examination to determine if the Veteran’s bilateral ankle disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine and/or knee disabilities.

An evaluation greater than 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,An evaluation greater than 20 percent for a left ankle injury, status post-surgical reconstruction, is denied.,TDIU prior to October 30, 2014, is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and bilateral foot disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for residuals of right fourth metacarpal fracture was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee joint replacement surgery, based on aggravation of a pre-existing right knee injury is granted.,Service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee joint replacement surgery, based on aggravation of a pre-existing left knee injury is granted.