Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees have been denied. The evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either knee.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder has also been rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum available under VA regulations.

The Veteran's right and left knee lateral instability and osteoarthritis have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent, effective July 7, 2010. The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis are rated at 20 percent from November 6, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lung condition and arthritis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of asbestosis or arthritis related to service. The Board also found that any arthritis did not manifest within one year after separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability, but the issue of foot cramping is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric condition.,A rating in excess of 10% for tinnitus was also denied, as the Veteran is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and a right foot disability, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's current disabilities are considered to be due to his post-service occupation as a day laborer.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left forearm fracture (malunion) and left elbow osteoarthritis are both remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claims for asthma, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and kidney disease have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left foot gout, and right foot gout are also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and a right leg disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to active service or his service-connected right ankle disability. The current rating of 10 percent for the right ankle disability is maintained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was reopened and granted. The claims for sleep apnea, hiatal hernia (claimed as GERD), and pes planus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to incomplete documentation, including a lack of verification of incarceration dates and missing SSA records. The Veteran needs to provide completed VA Form 21-8940 and undergo a functional impact assessment.

The Veteran's spine condition is rated at 40 percent prior to March 23, 2009. The Board found that the severity and symptoms of his spine condition are adequately contemplated by the established schedular criteria.

The Veteran's increased disability rating for left wrist degenerative arthritis is denied.,Service connection for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder hemiarthroplasty is being remanded for further review.,Essential hypertension secondary to sleep apnea or stroke residuals is being remanded for further review.,Sleep apnea secondary to stroke residuals is being remanded for further review.,Osteoarthritis is being remanded for further review.,A chronic kidney disorder with kidney stones, secondary to osteoarthritis, is being remanded for further review.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), secondary to sleep apnea, is being remanded for further review.,Gout, secondary to a chronic kidney disorder, is being remanded for further review.,Coronary artery disease (CAD), secondary to sleep apnea, is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for limitation of flexion of the right knee and left knee prior to March 28, 2014 have been denied. The Veteran has received a separate rating for instability in both knees since March 28, 2014.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected foot disabilities, specifically bilateral pes planus. The Veteran was previously granted a TDIU effective September 26, 2011, but the issue of TDIU prior to this date remains before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for cervical spine and left knee conditions have been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome with limitation of flexion, as well as right knee patellofemoral syndrome. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records and attempt to obtain any private medical records from Dr. Williams. A new orthopedic examination is required to assess the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for Prinzmetal's angina on a presumptive basis due to exposure to Agent Orange, and has also granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).