Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, inflammatory arthritis, a skin disability, a right shoulder disability, and a right elbow disability are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will seek additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining VA opinions to address the etiology of the claimed disabilities due to ionizing radiation exposure. The remanded issues are: Congestive heart failure, kidney disability, lung disability, and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's right foot disability, specifically degenerative arthritis of the right first metatarsophalangeal joint, is remanded for additional development and a new VA examination to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran is granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for right toe painful motion with arthritis, to include partial toe amputation and toenail removal. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's heart murmur claim is denied as there is no objective evidence of a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's bilateral knee condition and poor circulation claims are denied due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any other relevant factor.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted, with secondary service connection already in effect for cervical radiculopathy of the left side.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of additional disability caused by or resulting from VA care, treatment, examination, or training.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40% and his left and right ankle disabilities are both rated at 10%. The claims for increased ratings remain pending as the AOJ has remanded them.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee conditions, as well as entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's right knee disability, including chondromalacia and osteoarthritis following ACL repair, is currently rated at the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Code 5258. The Board denied a higher rating as there was no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions warranting separate ratings.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tear have been rated based on their schedular criteria. The Board has found that the current ratings are appropriate for these conditions.,However, due to additional functional loss from pain and other symptoms, a higher rating is being remanded for consideration of extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and low back disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to inadequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his disability, including whether it is related to in-service injury or pre-existed service.

The Board has remanded four issues related to service connection and rating for the Veteran's right shoulder orthopedic and neurological disabilities, as well as his right knee disability. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all remaining issues associated with the appeal.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis has not been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical or thoracolumbar spine, and no IVDS is present. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for his condition is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examination, and a new addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee condition, specifically his flare-ups. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the right knee issue and will be deferred for adjudication.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted as a congenital defect, and service connection for acquired bilateral foot disability (diagnosed as bilateral foot arthritis) is granted.,Service connection for left leg peripheral vascular disease claudication and right leg peripheral vascular disease claudication are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that it had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of limitation in flexion or extension.