Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and costochondritis are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.,An effective date of January 18, 2008 is granted for the grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and costochondritis.

The Veteran's initial 20% rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted from August 19, 2009 to March 29, 2017.,An increased rating in excess of 20% for the service-connected back disability is denied throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right and left hips is granted. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to July 16, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter. The left foot plantar fasciitis is rated at 30 percent from July 16, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied in the August 2004 rating decision. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.,Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome/osteoarthritis of the left hand and right hand was also denied in the August 2004 rating decision, as the VA examiner opined these conditions were not related to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected neck and low back disabilities, including how functioning varies with repeated use over a period of time or flare-ups.

The Board has determined that osteopenia is service-connected as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Crohn’s disease, and grants this claim.

The Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right thumb and traumatic arthritis lumbar spine are being remanded to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for his service-connected left shoulder, right shoulder, low back, cervical spine, and right hip disabilities have been denied. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities require additional examination and development due to deficiencies in the July 2012 VA examination report. The AOJ is instructed to schedule a new VA examination, associate any outstanding records with the file, give the Veteran an opportunity to identify pertinent evidence, and then readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a maximum schedular rating for supraventricular arrhythmia have been granted. The issue of TDIU has been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee condition, left knee condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbar spondylosis have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left ear sensorineural hearing loss has been granted. The issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss is still pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for osteoarthritis of multiple joints (including bilateral ankles), spina bifida occulta, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability (secondary to a service-connected foot disability), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and cognitive disability (short-term memory loss).

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and low back condition are not service-connected, with the exception of a grant of TDIU effective August 26, 2019. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her low back condition prior to August 26, 2019 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his low back disability and SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to additional development required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for left knee bruise residuals and has also granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis. The decision is based on the Veteran's competent and credible lay evidence of continuous symptoms since an in-service injury.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal regarding the disability rating for degenerative arthritis, status post lumbar spine diskectomies.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative arthritis is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder is related to his service, particularly an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issue of an earlier effective date for lumbar spine disability. The case is now pending with the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).