Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during service and was more likely related to age-related degenerative disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, right hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, and left hip degenerative arthritis were denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes sufficient to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connected, with all doubt resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella and osteoarthritis are not severe enough to warrant a higher rating, as her instability is mild and does not significantly limit function.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral radiculitis and spinal stenosis, finding that it is etiologically related to the Veteran's in-service back injury. The issues of service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and neck disabilities, as well as left upper extremity radiculopathy, were denied. The effective dates of the decisions are not provided.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, was denied a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings. The left knee disabilities were also denied increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between her current conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for referral to the Director of Compensation for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition, including a SLAP tear and osteoarthritis, is being remanded for an addendum VA medical opinion to determine if it was aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for his low back disability, finding that it began in and has progressed since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an increased rating for mechanical low back pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and lack of consideration of certain evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease have been granted a 20 percent rating prior to November 14, 2014. A higher rating is denied for the entire appeal period. The right ankle disability has not met the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent, but a separate 20 percent rating for right knee lateral instability as of January 7, 2021, has been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proper range of motion assessment in the VA examination, and further development is needed.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to October 25, 2018 are denied as there was no communication prior to that date that could be construed as a claim.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for tinnitus and left ear hearing loss are denied as the evidence does not support such an award.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, right foot neuropathy and dystrophic toenails, and left foot neuropathy and dystrophic toenails are denied due to lack of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lower back disability is denied as the evidence does not support such an award.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder disability, sleep apnea, right ankle degenerative joint disease, bilateral degenerative joint disease of the hands, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction (secondary to PTSD) have been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and osteoarthritis, as well as right knee limitation of extension due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide information about his treatment providers and any outstanding records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.