Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will need to gather more information and determine if the Veteran has a valid claim for these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his sciatica, were denied increased disability ratings. The current ratings are 10% for the cervical spine prior to January 9, 2020, and 20% since then; and 10% for the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a service connection for bilateral foot sprains other than hallux valgus, and the current conditions are less likely related to service or service-connected hallux valgus.

The Board has determined that the combined evaluation of 60 percent from March 8, 2012 to November 18, 2015; and 80 percent from November 19, 2015 is correctly calculated based on the service-connected disability evaluations in effect at that time. The appeal for a higher combined evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis is granted at a 10 percent level effective July 2, 2010.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that there is not enough evidence to link his current condition to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating exceeding 30 percent for her feet disability is denied. Her claims for initial ratings of 10 percent for her left knee and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and skin rash due to inadequate examination reports. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his ankle and knee rheumatoid arthritis, as well as wrist conditions, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis of the neck due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The left ankle and bilateral foot disorders are being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection is being remanded for the Veteran's left ankle disorder and bilateral foot disorder, including hammer toes, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.,The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, heart condition, hypertension, right arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), left arm shaking (Gulf War Syndrome), dizziness, pain/tenderness on jaw, cheek bones and forehead (myalgia), headaches, sinusitis, non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis, PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, right shoulder pain, left shoulder pain, trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip, trochanteric pain syndrome of the left hip, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle with ankle strain and calcaneal spur, left ankle strain, cervical spondylosis, lumbosacral strain, erectile dysfunction (Gulf War Syndrome), and tonsillitis have all been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a relationship between any of these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, tension headaches, bilateral shoulder and bilateral knee scars due to procedural issues with representation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back condition and left ear hearing loss due to insufficient medical opinions in prior VA examinations.,Additional VA examination or opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's current back conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective April 13, 2010. The case is remanded for further development regarding TDIU prior to March 23, 2016 and entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance.

Service connection is granted for osteoarthritis and metatarsalgia of the left foot.,Service connection is also granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's left great toe disability is granted a 10 percent rating. Ratings in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right and left knees with x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis are denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability is denied as the evidence shows flexion limited to at most 120 degrees, which corresponds to a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.