Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

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

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding pre-service and service onset of current back disabilities. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent from December 3, 2013 to May 26, 2015 and prospectively from September 1, 2015. The Veteran's left shoulder disability is secondary to her right shoulder disability and service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's in-service injuries and symptoms are related to his current condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left knee disorder, right eye disorder, and hemorrhoids due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for left and right foot hallux rigidus and osteoarthritis disorders was granted. Service connection is also granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claims for right shoulder, left foot hammer toes, and right foot hammer toes were denied. The Board also found that the Veteran’s service connection claims for PTSD, a back disability, cause of death, and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are remanded.,The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for his right shoulder was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service and the VA examiner opined that the current arthritis is more likely due to natural aging process rather than active duty.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted at a 20 percent level from September 9, 2009 through March 12, 2017. The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy received an initial compensable (10%) rating from January 13, 2010 through March 12, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and PTSD has been granted with an effective date of November 2, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for earlier effective dates related to service connection, TDIU, and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left shoulder disability is denied. The effective date of the separate grant of service connection for acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with painful motion is set at August 4, 2010.

An earlier effective date of September 3, 1977, for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis is granted. An evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for left knee osteoarthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and foot disabilities, as well as her right thumb disability, are being remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been raised by the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for back and right foot disabilities due to outstanding VA records and the need for further development.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left knee disabilities have been granted service connection.,His bilateral hearing loss has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that his current degenerative arthritis was more likely due to aging and wear and tear over time, rather than an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right lower extremity sciatica, including EMG testing if consented to by the Veteran. The issue of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his combined disability rating is only 10 percent.