Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use other than an upper extremity, and he is not service-connected for a severe burn injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain was restored to a 20% rating effective March 5, 2019. The ratings for right and left foot calcaneal spurs with metatarsal proximal osteoarthritis remain at 10%. Further development is needed for the right and left foot conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition is related to his service-connected left knee disability and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and right knee instability are all rated at their maximum schedular ratings. The Veteran is granted initial ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions and a need for an addendum VA opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral foot conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability due to the Veteran's in-service injury, with evidence showing that the condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability was rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2006 until June 28, 2016. The rating was denied as the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with surgical scar due to inadequate examinations and failure to provide adequate reasons or bases.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the hips, elbows, wrists, and shoulders as there was no evidence of chronic in-service arthritis or continuity of symptomatology. The bilateral knee disability was also denied due to lack of a showing of chronic in-service arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding no relationship between his current diagnoses and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis due to a lack of sufficient statement of reasons or bases regarding whether VA was required to provide an examination and medical opinion. The case is now returned for further proceedings consistent with the Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR).

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence supports a finding of in-service injury and current disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with the Board finding credible his reports of in-service noise exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction as secondary to a service-connected back condition is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage was denied. Separate ratings of 10 percent were granted for painful limitation of flexion and slight instability.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine disability, and for ratings in excess of 10 percent for diffuse degenerative joint disease of the right hand, index finger, long finger, and ring finger. The appeals were based on service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E services due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the threshold requirements of having an employment handicap, despite his master’s degree and over 20 years of experience in healthcare.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and hearing loss has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's right knee and ankle disabilities have been granted initial ratings, with the right knee receiving separate ratings for painful extension and instability. The right ankle disability received a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The RO must attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s in-service stressors and schedule a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders found.