Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 18, 2014. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met and grants the claim.

The Board found that discontinuance of VR&E services based on a negative feasibility determination was proper due to the Veteran's significant physical health issues and extensive limitations in his activities. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 9, 2002 for the grant of a 70 percent rating for loss of use of the right hand (dominant). The Veteran's condition was found to have more nearly approximated an orthopedic disorder under DC 5222 but also at least as likely as not demonstrated a neurological disorder under DC 8512 prior to June 4, 2003.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and found that a current disability (degenerative arthritis) is present. However, there is no established link between this condition and an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis associated with bilateral pes cavus is being remanded due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20% prior to May 28, 2015 and 40% from May 13, 2019. The right hip radiculopathy is rated at 40%. Other conditions are either denied or not addressed in the decision.

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

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder since November 15, 2015 due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis and no evidence of incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left hip disabilities, including osteoarthritis, due to a lack of an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's bilateral hip conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a pulmonary lung disorder, bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis, and thoracolumbar spine osteoarthritis have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran has these conditions as part of his already service-connected generalized arthritic process.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a low back disability and PTSD have been granted. The claim for bilateral knee disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development regarding his TDIU claim. His current left hand disability does not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions and incomplete STRs. The Veteran's shoulder disabilities are being evaluated further.

Service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, left knee, and left ankle has been granted.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for a scar related to right ankle surgery is denied. The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim of service connection for a herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbosacral spine, as secondary to his service-connected knee condition. The increased rating claim for degenerative arthritis of the left knee remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back disability, including osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is granted with a rating of 50 percent, but no higher, prior to January 25, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating since then is denied.,Service connection for iliopsoas tendonitis (hip condition) claimed as secondary to service-connected bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness associated with muscular dystrophy is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle arthritis and lumbar osteoarthritis, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's left ankle scars are currently rated at 0 percent, while his left ankle arthritis is rated at 20 percent. His lumbar osteoarthritis remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's vertigo is currently rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 6204 due to the lack of objective findings supporting the diagnosis of vestibular disequilibrium.,The Veteran’s essential tremor has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he should be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability was dismissed because he withdrew his claim prior to the decision being made. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea and chest pain are remanded.