Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination reports and need for clarification of facts.

The Board denied a higher initial rating for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot disorder, finding that the current degenerative arthritis with calcaneal spurs is not causally or etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it is presumed to have been caused by noise exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia were denied an increased rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected somatic symptom disorder associated with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Veteran's claims for chest pain, neck strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, limitation of flexion due to right hip and left hip strains, limitation of extension due to right hip and left hip strains, and limitation of abduction due to right hip strain are being remanded. The Veteran's TBI residuals and cervicogenic headaches (claimed as headaches) prior to November 5, 2010, from November 5, 2010 to October 1, 2019, prior to October 2, 2019, from October 2, 2019 onward, and cervicogenic headaches from October 2, 2019 onward are also being remanded. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 31, 2015.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating for the entire appeal period prior to January 11, 2016 due to his service-connected DISH of the thoracolumbar spine and bilateral hips.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and stenosis, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service parachute jumps and associated landings, which are considered to have caused his current disabilities.

The Veteran's lower back disability was denied for ratings higher than 10 percent prior to December 2, 2019 and for a rating higher than 40 percent beginning December 2, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for all issues related to right hip strain and right knee conditions as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. Additionally, the hip disorder claim must be remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS and spinal stenosis is rated at 40 percent, left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted a 20 percent rating prior to February 5, 2020, and right lower extremity radiculopathy received a 40 percent rating from that date onwards. TDIU was also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA aid and attendance examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, initial ratings for left and right knee disabilities, and TDIU due to incomplete examination reports and lack of addressing certain aspects in previous examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, new examinations, and additional information regarding his employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an equipment purchase of an adjustable king or queen size bed and ergonomic chair through the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program, finding that such purchases were not necessary to achieve his independent living goal.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the upper extremities, rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS, and ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his service-connected back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder, right shoulder, back, and ring finger disabilities, as well as a headache disability. The issue of initial compensable rating for skin irritation is also being remanded.