Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to August 19, 2019 and denied for a higher rating. As of August 19, 2019, the Veteran's disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic right and left knee disorders are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic right and left ankle disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation due to worsening symptoms and surgical procedures.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for numbness, fifth finger right hand is granted with a rating of 30 percent effective April 2, 2012. The claim for a higher evaluation in excess of 30 percent beginning January 4, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the left knee and right knee are both remanded.

Service connection for memory loss is denied. A rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for depression is granted effective August 20, 2012. The claims for increased ratings for left hip osteoarthritis with limited extension, left knee chondromalacia, radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are denied as a matter of law.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right knee, and right ankle disabilities. The increased rating claim for lumbar spurring and spondylosis with degenerative arthritis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, left hand and right hand disorders, and left knee disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is directly related to service or secondary to his service-connected bilateral hip disabilities. The Veteran will need a VA examination to address these issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a crush fracture of the right hand and little finger, finding that these disabilities are related to his in-service injury. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and right knee, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability, to include degenerative arthritis, is granted. The case is remanded for further development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability, but remanded the issues regarding a higher evaluation for the right knee and service connection for Crohn's disease.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 20, 2016. From September 20, 2016 onwards, the rating is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for low back strain with degenerative arthritis, effective from the entire period on appeal. The Veteran's condition is currently rated as 10 percent prior to August 19, 2015 and from November 5, 2016 through September 9, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracic scoliosis and remanded the issue of service connection for low back disability, to include degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The case is now being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis is granted as incurred during service.,Right deltoid scars and right lower leg disability are remanded for further development.,A left knee disability is remanded for further development.,Tinea versicolor of the posterior thorax remains remanded for further development.,Right knee Osgood-Schlatter disease is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disorder and back disorder. The Veteran's claim of service connection for sunburn scars was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection is remanded for the issue of whether the Veteran has a left hip disorder, including any neurologic manifestations related to his service-connected back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and procedural issues, including scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's left knee disability.