Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various joint disabilities are being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The Board will provide another opportunity for the Veteran to undergo these examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective November 21, 2014. His RLE radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee osteoarthritis and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Board dismissed the appeal as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The appeal for bilateral ankle disability is dismissed as the benefit has already been granted. The right hip issue is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, back condition, and left elbow condition. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during active or inactive duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis, status post repair of ACL and meniscus was denied. However, the Veteran was granted a separate 20 percent rating for his left knee semilunar cartilage condition with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion.

The Board has remanded the claims for osteoarthritis of the hips and back condition due to inadequate medical opinions and potential issues with VA care.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 2015, and the effective date for his TDIU is set at June 7, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, which is presumed to be related to an in-service injury during parachute training.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is granted as service-connected due to in-service wear and tear. The respiratory condition (pneumonia) is remanded for further development.

The claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation and degenerative arthritis, a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the absence of an adequate substantive appeal.,The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its etiology.

Your initial rating for right knee osteoarthritis has been increased to 20 percent effective April 2014. The appeal seeking a higher rating for your right knee condition is dismissed.

The Veteran's left rotator cuff tear and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis are found to have developed during service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's groin disability is remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted due to conceded in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with AC separation and calcific tendinopathy is granted as secondary to a deltoid injury during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for mandible disorder, spine disorder (claimed as degenerative arthritis), and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence or incomplete development. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and verify a reported stressor related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's facial palsy, left hip acetabular labral tear with mild osteoarthritis, and sinusitis have been granted service connection. The right ankle disorder and right foot disorder remain under review.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran’s facial palsy, left hip acetabular labral tear with mild osteoarthritis, and sinusitis.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic renal failure, headaches, left knee joint osteoarthritis, right knee scars, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The AOJ must obtain any outstanding records from SSA and private providers, as well as VA treatment records. A new VA examination is also required for each of these conditions to ensure an accurate assessment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee chondromalacia and TDIU was denied. The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10% prior to September 21, 2017, and 20% from that date onwards.

The claim for service connection for chloracne as due to herbicide exposure is denied. The claims for service connection for a mental condition, including an anxiety disorder and/or PTSD, also claimed as a substance abuse disorder; degenerative arthritis, including a lower back condition; and a 10 percent rating based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, bilateral elbow disorder (osteoarthritis), and bilateral hand disorder. The effective date is set at February 25, 2009.