Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis s/p vertebral fracture, finding that it is aggravated by her service-connected right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient explanation regarding his contention that the angulation of his thumb is akin to ankylosis, and for further evidentiary development including a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to unemployability caused by service-connected disabilities. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA addendum opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected cervical dystonia and his diagnosed spine disorders. The case must be returned for adequate VA addendum opinions.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and a dose estimate.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for lumbar strain with scoliosis, osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The Veteran was unable to complete range of motion testing during a previous VA examination because he was in too much pain.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability (strain and osteoarthritis) due to new evidence received since the September 2015 rating decision. The case is remanded for further development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for a retrospective medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability prior to November 2016, and for obtaining any outstanding records from Dr. Monmouth.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis prior to February 17, 2016 did not warrant an evaluation higher than 10 percent due to limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection for right knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a traumatic brain injury and evaluation of cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine, previously rated as neck strain. The Veteran's claim is based on new evidence.

The Board denied an effective date prior to October 27, 2009 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and TDIU. The Veteran's claims were found inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for right hand osteoarthritis, left hand osteoarthritis, chronic ear infections, and both ankle conditions have been denied.,Right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome were granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for lumbar IVDS with degenerative arthritis, an initial disability rating greater than 10 percent for left lower extremity sensory deficit prior to May 25, 2017, an increased disability rating greater than 40 percent for left lower extremity sensory deficit from May 25, 2017, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to May 25, 2017. The remand is due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes rotator cuff impingement syndrome and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not show that his condition meets or approximates the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's right hip iliotibial band syndrome has been rated at 10 percent, with separate ratings for limitation of flexion and extension. The Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other compensable impairment.

Service connection for musculoskeletal pain and low back disability has been granted.,The right knee chondromalacia patella rating remains remanded, as well as the service connection claims for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and bilateral hands and arms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were denied. The initial 20 percent rating for residuals of fracture C6 with degenerative disc disease at C5-6 was maintained, and a 40 percent rating was granted for lumbar spondylosis, degenerative arthritis, and facet joint arthritis prior to February 10, 2016. The claim for an increased disability evaluation since February 10, 2016 remains pending.