Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, but dismissed the claim for left knee osteoarthritis as there was no request for additional adjudication.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current state of the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The Veteran is required to attend a VA examination to evaluate his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and clarification of the Veteran's right thumb ankylosis. The current rating remains at 10 percent due to functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's current condition is rated at its highest possible level (100%).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial compensable ratings for his bilateral foot disabilities due to new evidence suggesting a worsening of symptoms. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right and left foot disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for increased ratings and effective dates related to her service-connected conditions, resulting in the dismissal of these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded as there was no formal or informal claim received prior to August 7, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted and the issue is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.

Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine is granted, while service connection for a right knee disability is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by flexion limited to no less than 85 degrees and extension to 0 degrees with pain but without additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, and incoordination during flare-ups, is granted a separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability or recurrent subluxation. The Veteran's disability remains rated at 10 percent for residuals of a medial meniscal repair with post-traumatic degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that his current condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's left knee extension condition is granted a 30 percent rating throughout the appeal. The Veteran also receives TDIU benefits due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee condition was granted, and he is now receiving a 20% disability rating. The appeal regarding the hip condition is being remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral eye condition and special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.,Further development is needed to determine if any diagnosed disabilities had onset during, or were otherwise caused by, active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to issues with notification and scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted at a 30 percent rating effective from March 6, 2017. The previous rating of 20 percent prior to that date remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability has been reopened, and the case is remanded for further development including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current condition and its impact on his service-connected osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran was injured at work, which may have worsened his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's back conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a soft tissue right leg injury and a right knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis. The entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder is remanded.