Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a separate rating for neurologic abnormalities associated with his service-connected low back pain secondary to sacroiliitis with degenerative arthritis changes and TDIU was denied due to the Veteran failing to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of plantar fasciitis of the left foot is granted. The Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS is rated at 30 percent beginning on February 16, 2018.

The Board granted earlier effective dates of September 12, 2010 for separate ratings of 10 percent each for right and left knee degenerative arthritis.,The Board also granted a revision of the January 2013 rating decision reflecting service connection for both knees with evaluations of 10 percent effective September 12, 2010 based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and right knee medial meniscus tear associated with left knee residuals of torn ligament are rated at the maximum allowable under current diagnostic codes. The separate rating for right knee limitation of extension from January 22, 2020 is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to Bell’s palsy, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar strain, hypertension, and PTSD with major depressive episode. The Veteran's preexisting conditions are being evaluated for any permanent worsening during his periods of service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,Left wrist osteoarthritis has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis or link to service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, is denied due to lack of credible evidence linking it to service.,The Veteran's claim for a respiratory condition is denied without sufficient evidence.,Right knee osteoarthritis is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate examinations, missing VA examination records, and new treatment records.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period prior to August 7, 2018, and in excess of 20 percent from that date forward. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination reports and further development is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that his current diagnoses are causally related to his time in service.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the lack of compliance with previous remand instructions regarding an addendum opinion for service connection for right knee status post meniscus tear with degenerative arthritis, as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so both must be addressed together.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is now rated at 40 percent, which approximates the criteria for a 40 percent rating based on forward flexion of less than 30 degrees during flare-ups.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for his service-connected conditions, finding that there was no evidence of an increase in severity within one year prior to May 31, 2011. The effective date for the increased rating from 10 percent to 30 percent for bilateral flat feet is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was denied, with the Board finding that he did not meet the criteria for an increased rating from June 3, 2009 to December 9, 2019.,For the period after December 9, 2019, a higher rating of 20 percent was also denied. The Veteran's condition worsened such that he now experiences forward flexion of his thoracolumbar spine at 45 degrees upon repetitive use.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are remanded due to the need for additional medical records, social security administration (SSA) records, and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the competency of the VA examiner who conducted a recent examination. The Veteran's representative argues that the examiner was not qualified to provide an opinion on orthopedic disorders and requests additional information.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right thumb, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.