Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis, previously rated as intervertebral disc syndrome. The RO has granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent effective March 11, 2016.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for his lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy. The decision is based on evidence in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions began during active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating authorized under DC 6260. The appeal for a higher initial disability rating for tinnitus must be denied.,The Veteran contends that he has a left leg muscle disability related to his military service and/or secondary to his service-connected varicose veins. Further examination is needed to determine if such condition exists, its etiology, and whether it is caused or aggravated by the service-connected varicose veins.,The Veteran claims entitlement to an initial compensable rating for dry eye syndrome. Additional VA treatment records are required to ascertain the current level of severity of his disability.,The Veteran contends that he has a hemorrhoids condition which should be rated initially as compensable. Outstanding VA treatment records must be obtained and reviewed before scheduling a new examination to determine if such condition exists, its etiology, and whether it is caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran asserts entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Additional VA treatment records are needed to ascertain the current level of severity of this disability.,The Veteran contends that he has left and right leg varicose veins which should be rated initially as compensable. Outstanding VA treatment records must be obtained and reviewed before scheduling a new examination to determine if such conditions exist, their etiology, and whether they are caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran claims entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left wrist tendonitis. Additional VA treatment records are needed to ascertain the current level of severity of this disability.,The Veteran contends that he has right wrist tendonitis which should be rated initially as compensable. Outstanding VA treatment records must be obtained and reviewed before scheduling a new examination to determine if such condition exists, its etiology, and whether it is caused or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran asserts entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent (prior to December 23, 2017) and in excess of 20 percent (from December 23, 2017) for his degenerative arthritis of the spine and lumbar sprain with spondylosis. Additional VA treatment records are needed to ascertain the current level of severity of this disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and a left knee strain, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,There were no records indicating any specific events during service that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for anal fissures and hemorrhoids are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disability, loss of feeling in upper and lower extremities, and joint failure. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues include increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder with radiculopathy as it found no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition, and the continuity of symptoms since service is not credible.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed condition. The case is being returned to the VA for further review, including obtaining a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of scars, service connection for neck disability, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to incomplete information in the record.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and disabilities have been denied. The Board has not assigned a maximum disability rating, which remains before the Board.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran’s claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of his left and right hip. The Veteran asserts that his bilateral hip condition is related to his service-connected back condition and right knee condition.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with spinal stenosis and IVDS, as well as left upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to a cervical spine disorder. The Veteran's symptoms were not related to military service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was also denied due to lack of evidence of current disability or in-service occurrence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left and right knees due to insufficient development, including a need for additional medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis on a presumptive basis due to his in-service diagnosis of early degenerative arthritis.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding earlier effective dates for service connection of right and left knee osteoarthritis as the Veteran withdrew these issues. The initial disability ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis are remanded due to evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be adjudicated due to inadequate examination findings regarding flare-ups and range of motion during the period prior to October 1, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and chronic depression as secondary to knee pain. The Veteran's knee conditions are not linked to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period on appeal.