Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's respiratory disorder, diagnosed as asthma, is granted service connection due to exposure to environmental hazards (burn pits). The issues of service connection for headaches, bilateral foot disability, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and hypogonadism are remanded.

Service connection for tinea cruris and bilateral knee disability is granted, while service connection for diarrhea is denied due to lack of evidence showing onset during Southwest Asia service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to perform work-like activities due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is currently rated for radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, and other conditions.

The appeal is granted, and service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome is restored. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear is not considered a disability for VA purposes, but he has established a current left ear hearing loss disability. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted with specific ratings based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip disorder, degenerative arthritis of the right knee (prior to March 2, 2015), instability residuals of the left knee (prior to March 2, 2015), and scars were denied. The Board found no nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.,Secondary service connection was also established for right hip, left hip, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot condition, presbyopia and astigmatism of the eyes, obstructive sleep apnea, left upper extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, femoral nerve radiculopathy, surgical scars on knees, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, total right knee replacement, cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, tinea corporis and onychomycosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, rectal fissures/hemorrhoids, malaria residuals, and service connection for TDIU have been granted. The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hand disorders, and eczematoid dermatitis due to incomplete development of records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology and insufficient evidence to establish an in-service injury. The current left shoulder disability is considered to be due to normal wear and tear over time.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining his VA Vocational Rehabilitation program file and determining if he was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 31, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for left shoulder degenerative arthritis with tendonitis was denied. The current disability is rated as 20 percent disabling.

The RO restored the 20 percent evaluation for left knee injury with instability effective September 11, 2012.,The RO denied entitlement to increased rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee instability prior to May 8, 2018.,The RO granted a noncompensable evaluation for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension effective May 8, 2018.,The RO denied entitlement to increased rating in excess of 30 percent for left total knee arthroplasty on and after July 1, 2019.,The RO granted an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee with limitation of flexion prior to September 11, 2012.,The RO denied entitlement to increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee with instability prior to September 11, 2012.,The RO granted an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee on and after September 11, 2012.,The RO denied entitlement to increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee with instability on and after September 11, 2012.,The RO granted a noncompensable evaluation for right knee degenerative changes with limitation of extension effective September 11, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for acromioclavicular joint disease of the right shoulder, finding that there was a combination of manifestations sufficient to identify the disease entity (osteoarthritis) in service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the remaining issues have been withdrawn. The claims of asbestosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis are remanded due to inextricability with other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for her left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination.

The Board remands the appeal for further development as there has not been substantial compliance with the directives of a previous remand.

The Board has granted the reopening of service connection for right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders based on new evidence that supports a link to service.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his service-connected lumbar spine, radiculopathy, and post-operative scar.