Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased disability ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and left knee osteoarthritis prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that his current condition is related to his in-service injury during paratrooper training.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for lumbosacral osteoarthritis prior to April 3, 2015 was granted. From April 3, 2015 to May 8, 2017, the Veteran received a 40 percent disability rating. After that date, his claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted service connection as it is considered a normal physiological progression associated with aging, and there is credible evidence showing continuity of symptoms from service to the present.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected dermatitis was denied as the condition does not cover at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and does not require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his active duty service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not make him permanently bedridden, substantially confined to the home or premises, or unable to care for daily needs without requiring regular aid and assistance.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for right knee degenerative arthritis prior to October 10, 2019 and denied any higher rating. A 40 percent rating is granted for the period since October 10, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the service connection for coronary artery disease and the impact of service-connected left hip and knee disabilities on the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis and right knee injury. The case will be remanded to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, headaches, ankle and leg disabilities, knee disability, and shoulder arthritis, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service neck injury. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent prior to November 19, 2020 and at 30 percent from that date forward. The case is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis of the feet, did not have their onset during service and are not otherwise related. The preexisting pes planus and hammer toe conditions were also not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that another remand is required due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new criteria for rating knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of TMJ, as well as examinations for left sided sciatica, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right ankle sprain with instability, sinusitis, status post lumbar spine scar, and spermatocele, status post vasectomy. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and examination.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and increased the rating for right shoulder strain, impingement syndrome, and tenosynovitis to 20 percent. The ratings for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis were also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee condition is secondary to his service-connected left ankle and left lower extremity restless leg syndrome conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of an increased evaluation for osteoarthritis of the right knee and a TDIU claim due to new evidence indicating that the Veteran's disability may have worsened since his last examination. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee disability, including testing active motion, passive motion, pain with weight-bearing and without weight-bearing, as well as information regarding flare-ups.