Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his depressive disorder and knee disabilities. The remand is due to incomplete records and a need for further examination.

The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The case is remanded for further review on service connection for a neurocognitive disorder, to include Alzheimer's disease.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 50% effective from August 28, 2020. The Board granted a special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his initial disability rating for renal insufficiency is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records related to his kidney condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis and replacements, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is granted a 60% rating as of November 5, 2020. His hearing loss and scars are denied higher ratings. The Veteran's CAD remains at a 30% rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that it was less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and scoliosis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran currently has a left knee disorder, and if so, its relationship to his military service or bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and lack of contemporaneous records. The Veteran's right knee condition is being reviewed for service connection, secondary to his left knee condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted a rating of 60 percent since September 22, 2016. The previous issue of entitlement to a higher rating prior to May 1, 2013 has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain with degenerative arthritis, limitation of flexion, and for a compensable rating for right knee limitation of extension due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate examinations in previous remands. The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis of various interphalangeal and metacarpal phalangeal joints, and plantar and posterior heel spurs; left ankle strain; and right ankle strain need to be re-evaluated.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to potential aggravation of his conditions by his service-connected disabilities and exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands, Raynaud’s syndrome, anemia, a cervical strain and erectile dysfunction have been granted.,Service connection has not been established for any of these conditions on a direct basis. The Board found no medical evidence or opinion linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle recurrent sprains and calcification or ossification adjacent to the medial malleolus, as well as degenerative arthritis of both the right and left knees, all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus disability.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee condition as the evidence did not show it was incurred in or aggravated by service, and no presumption of service connection could be applied.

The Veteran's right index finger osteoarthritis was granted an initial rating of 10 percent prior to February 9, 2017. From that date forward, the claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his right shoulder disorder is remanded. He also has claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy, which are also remanded.,There are issues with effective dates for dependency benefits, service connection, and disabilities related to the Veteran's cervical spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy. These issues are also remanded.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is presumed to be service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The right elbow injury, right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and residuals of traumatic pneumothorax are being remanded for further evaluation.