Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder condition was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher evaluation.,A separate evaluation of 20 percent was granted for recurrent dislocation of the scapulohumeral joint with infrequent episodes and guarding of movement only at shoulder level.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding his claim for service connection for ACL joint osteoarthritis of the right shoulder. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for the right knee degenerative arthritis as secondary to the service-connected bilateral foot disability, finding that the Veteran's current right knee condition was worsened by his service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities are not related to service or Agent Orange exposure. His hypertension is related to service. The right knee, abdominal pain (IBS), GERD, and dysphagia issues have been remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left hand, a left hand ganglion cyst, and a left wrist disability as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected tarsal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, finding that the conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The diagnoses are related to in-service duties and/or the service-connected low back sprain.

All claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues on appeal except for his claims for an increased rating for headaches and a TDIU.,For the entire appeal period from July 29, 2013 to present, a rating of 50 percent has been granted for service-connected headaches.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for his spine condition from January 4, 2006 to June 30, 2010 is granted. The case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the increased disability rating for the period after June 30, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions began during service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right foot, right ankle, right knee, left knee, and right leg length discrepancy. The claims are based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injury resulting from his fractured right tibia and fibula.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that it is related to active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and duty to assist errors. The Veteran needs VA examinations for his right arm, back, neck, and left ankle disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back strain, degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spondylosis, ankylosis, and stenosis.

The Veteran's right foot hammertoes and osteoarthritis of the great toe are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum allowed under VA rating criteria. The Veteran's left foot conditions have not been granted service connection.,Service connection for a left foot disability (hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, heel tenderness, bunions, corns, and osteoarthritis) remains pending as the AOJ has yet to issue an SSOC addressing this claim.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted a 40% rating prior to January 5, 2017 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. The Veteran's cervical spine strain is denied for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. Additional development is required, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and tendonitis and instability of the right ankle, finding that there is equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to active service.,Service connection was denied for right metatarsus primus varus as secondary to right hallux valgus.