Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for the period prior to March 28, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent beginning March 28, 2016. PTSD symptoms are rated as total occupational and social impairment since March 26, 2016. OSA severity results in the use of a breathing assistance device but does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain and sacroiliac joint degenerative arthritis, effective March 29, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left thumb as secondary to a service-connected left wrist De Quervain’s tendonitis. The issue of an increased rating for the service-connected left wrist disability is remanded due to its inextricability with the newly assigned service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left leg muscle strain and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, a new VA examination is required to determine the severity of the Veteran’s left leg muscle strain throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues in a February 2021 correspondence.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support an increase in disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder bursitis, left elbow medial epicondylitis, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is also considered to be service-connected.,Service connection was established based on the evidence showing that the Veteran experienced symptoms of these conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's disability evaluation for his degenerative arthritis and radial head fracture of the right elbow with limitation of extension was restored to a maximum 50 percent rating, effective December 1, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to an in-service injury and is more likely due to age-related degenerative changes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to incomplete or conflicting medical evidence. The issues of increased ratings for left ankle fracture residuals with DJD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left knee instability are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding a back disability, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the spine. An additional medical opinion is required to determine if the Veteran's condition is related to active service.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 20 percent prior to October 1, 2020. The initial evaluation for osteoarthritis based on limitation of flexion from November 26, 2012 to May 13, 2014 was denied. A separate 0 percent rating for limitation of flexion from May 14, 2014 to September 30, 2020 is granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for osteoarthritis remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of unspecified joints and sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, finding that it was incurred in service and is related to his military duties.

The Board has dismissed all the claims related to service connection and increased disability ratings, as well as the TDIU claim due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if the Veteran's left shoulder, knee, and ankle disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for restrictive lung disease is denied as he does not have current restrictive lung disease. The Board also remanded the issues of rating his right knee disabilities.

The Board granted an effective date of June 13, 2017 for the Veteran's service connection claim for right hip osteoarthritis with osteopenia, left hip osteoarthritis with osteopenia, and bilateral linear hip scars. The decision was based on the Veteran submitting a completed application within one year of his intent to file.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 14, 2017 and on or after that date. The Veteran's right knee disability was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to June 28, 2013.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40% since August 14, 2017 and her right knee disability is rated at 20%.