Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine, specifically with regards to functional loss due to pain, range-of-motion limitation and flare-ups.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted service connection, and his left ring finger disability remains at the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's knee and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.,An effective date earlier than March 3, 2015 is denied for the increased ratings of bilateral foot disability and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection and aggravation of bilateral pes planus and degenerative arthritis of the feet by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with a 10% rating assigned for each condition. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral knee conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection, particularly related to exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disability was denied. He is currently rated at 10 percent for chondromalacia with osteoarthritis and a separate rating of 20 percent for meniscal abnormality.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection and TDIU prior to June 1, 2015 are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's osteoarthritis and knee disabilities. Further examination is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury and that any degenerative changes were first noted many years after the alleged incident.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to outstanding VA medical records, a need for additional examination regarding flare-ups, and potential TDIU issues.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee and PTSD have been granted a combined rating of 60 percent, effective January 1, 2010. This meets the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) under section 1114(s) due to his permanent housebound status caused by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left and right foot disabilities have been granted a 30 percent rating, but no higher. Separate ratings of 20 percent each were also granted for limited motion of the left ankle.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and impingement syndrome, is granted as service-connected. The decision is based on the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete examination findings, and the need to obtain VA treatment records from July 2016 until the Veteran's death in November 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears due to inadequate range of motion testing in weight-bearing.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for depression, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with IVDS due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is granted as service connected, with the presumption of continuity of symptoms since service.,Service connection for bilateral athlete’s foot is granted based on a finding that it had its onset in service and is etiologically related to service. The Veteran was diagnosed with athlete’s foot during service and continued experiencing symptoms after separation.,The Veteran's tension headaches are granted as service connected, with the presumption of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot and knee conditions, as well as a low back disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine are related to injuries sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's current neck disability, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and cervical degenerative disc disease, is considered to be related to his military service. The Board granted service connection for this condition based on the resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.