Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left wrists, finding that there is continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disorders and their relationship to his military service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional VA medical records, authorize private treatment records from identified providers, and request a clarifying opinion from a suitably qualified examiner.

The Veteran's right and left ankle conditions, including pain, medical treatment, corresponding functional impairment and flare-ups, are rated at 20 percent. Service connection for pes planus is granted. The Veteran's claims for big toe joint pain and swelling on feet, PTSD, and left wrist condition are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, right shoulder arthritis, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, left and right knee degenerative arthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 25, 2019. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on the benefit-of-the-doubt doctrine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and an esophageal disability (GERD) as there was no evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, as well as semilunar cartilage damage in both knees, have not been rated higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to April 7, 2007 and from April 16, 2007 to April 26, 2012 (exclusive of the period of convalescence under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30). Effective April 26, 2012, a rating of 10 percent was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for gastritis, with the onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals, fractured coccyx with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal stenosis was denied. The current rating of 20% is maintained.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected.,From October 31, 2011 to July 2, 2018, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. From July 2, 2018 onwards, he was granted a 50 percent rating.,The Veteran's request for an increased rating beyond 50 percent for bilateral pes planus from January 2, 2020 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. However, the Board granted a 30 percent rating for left shoulder dislocation beginning October 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right knee and left shoulder disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability as secondary to her service-connected multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted, effective October 22, 2013. The decision is based on his service-connected psychiatric disability and other disabilities reaching a combined total of 60 percent or greater.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform activities of daily living without assistance, including bathing and dressing. The Board finds that he is in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion and no more, but a separate 10 percent rating has been granted for instability/subluxation. The Veteran's eczematous dermatitis remains rated at 10 percent.,Additional VA examination is needed to determine if psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis should be considered as part of the service-connected skin disorder or separately.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease does not warrant a higher rating, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, and an increased rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral hip disorder, bilateral wrist/arm disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and cervical spine disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Additional development is needed for the Veteran's claim regarding bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left hip osteoarthritis (flexion) and extension issues are rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, while the right hip status post arthroplasty is currently rated at 50 percent.