Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied as he did not meet the criteria to be considered unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for proper adjudication of the claims to include affording the Veteran an opportunity to undergo another VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed back condition.

The Board has granted a temporary total evaluation for hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis of the left foot based on post-operative convalescence from April 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine (neck condition) and low back pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine (back condition).,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence linking current conditions to service or post-service events.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right thumb disability was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or a gap of more than two inches between the thumb pad and fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers.

The Veteran's ratings for his bilateral knee conditions were reduced, and a separate rating was granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage. A new 50% rating was granted for arthritis with limitation of motion as of July 17, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by service and is not related to any service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability, which may be related to his active duty service or secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations and assessments to determine the extent of his functional limitations, diagnose any new or changed conditions, and assess their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee degenerative arthritis have not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent since October 31, 2011.,From October 31, 2011 to November 2, 2015 and from January 1, 2016, the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for hearing loss, as well as his claims for bilateral hip and knee disabilities. The AOJ is directed to complete further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting private care providers to provide evidence, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for an addendum opinion. The issues include rating his right knee disability, left knee disability with degenerative arthritis, and tendon damage of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the neck, sleep disorder (including narcolepsy and sleep apnea), PTSD, neurodermatitis, and TDIU due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of recent VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations, and a new examination is required to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lower back strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaption grant due to his inability to demonstrate permanent and total disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The issues of rating left foot cold injury, right foot cold injury, right thumb osteoarthritis, and knee disabilities remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further review of the Veteran's claim for TDIU (total disability based upon individual unemployability) as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including pleural plaques and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding his reported in-service injuries and self-medication.