Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The appeal for service connection for Bell’s palsy and a periodontal disability has been dismissed.,The appeals for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis, chronic dizziness, migraine headaches, dyspareunia, cervicitis, a cervical cyst, post coital bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and right wrist metacarpal fracture residuals have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis of the right index finger, and tinea pedis with onychomycosis have been granted. The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae was denied.,Service connection has been established for these conditions based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU effective May 31, 2006. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's autoimmune disorder and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis are granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran had symptoms of an autoimmune disorder during service, which is considered direct service connection. The bilateral knee arthritis was also found to be aggravated by the service-connected autoimmune disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent disabling from October 19, 2011, to the present. The Board found that the claim for a higher rating was denied as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his service-connected back disorder, LUE scars, and weakness in both lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, hands, and feet. The radiculopathy of both lower extremities is also service connected as secondary to the service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. Service connection was denied for rheumatoid arthritis and a respiratory disorder (COPD and asthma).

The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis status post laminectomy and fusion at L4-5 is rated at 40 percent since October 29, 2018. The appeal remains on remand for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and a meniscus tear, has been rated at 30 percent for instability since March 1, 2017. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as pain, locking, weakness, and occasional inability to walk.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU. The right knee disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis is related to service, but his hypertension was not aggravated by service and thus he cannot be granted service connection for that condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left leg disability is related to his service-connected lower back condition and whether it was aggravated by that condition. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for osteoarthritis of the low back, bilateral hearing loss, renal condition, right hip disability, cervical spondylosis, left knee disability, and left hand disability as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's rotoscoliosis and intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability) are currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral shoulders and cervical degenerative disc disease remains pending as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was granted a 40 percent evaluation from April 30, 2014 to May 12, 2015. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 10 percent and denied any higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain was denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee instability and osteoarthritis were rated at 10 percent prior to February 21, 2018. The RO has now assigned a 30 percent rating for the total left knee replacement since April 1, 2019.,The case is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding the higher ratings for the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his left ankle disability, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, and lumbosacral strain from March 3, 2014. Service connection for chronic gastritis and GERD were not established.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder, was first manifested on active duty service and is granted as service connected. The claim for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees and tension headaches remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip condition and pain, numbness, tingling of the left lower extremity due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that caused current disability.