Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his degenerative left knee disorder was denied. The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s flexion was limited to 30 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his degenerative arthritis of the lower back prior to July 2, 2015, in excess of 20 percent; and in excess of 40 percent thereafter was denied. The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s flexion was limited to 30 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability, characterized by limited extension and flexion, was denied as his current range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his right ankle disability is denied as he is already at the maximum schedular rating. His claims for service connection and TDIU are remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the prior VA examination and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, claimed as due to cold weather injury to the feet, is now pending.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for TDIU, higher disability evaluations for left total knee arthroplasty, and SMC. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess her functional impairment due to her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased evaluations of postoperative residuals, fracture, left navicular wrist; low back pain with degenerative arthritis; and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine need to be remanded due to deficiencies in the examination reports. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine in excess of 10 percent from September 1, 2013 has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of this issue.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, is rated at a combined 30 percent throughout the appeal period. This rating is based on moderate instability (20%) and arthritis with limited motion due to pain (10%).

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left and right knee osteoarthritis, as well as his total knee replacements, were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the Veteran's functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities may require aid and attendance, but further evaluation is needed.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability due to deficiencies in the July 2016 VA examination and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied as his disability did not result in ankylosis or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for headaches was denied because he did not experience characteristic prostrating attacks, which is required for a 10% or higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

Service connection granted for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, depressive disorder and PTSD. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hip disability. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied for left and right knee conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for authorization of private treatment records related to the Veteran's left knee disability. The issue of TDIU is not before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for his back brace, right knee brace, and left knee brace for the 2013 calendar year, as well as for his back brace and left knee brace for the 2016 calendar year. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities causing wear and tear to his clothing.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease as he withdrew all issues under appeal.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 20 percent prior to February 24, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis of the ankle, which would warrant a higher rating.