Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left ankle disability, including the residuals of a fracture and degenerative arthritis, was rated at 20 percent prior to October 19, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of marked limitation of motion in the left ankle.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee patellar tendonitis, right knee patellar tendonitis, right knee instability, left knee instability, and right knee meniscal tear have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each. The Veteran's status post left clavicle fracture (left shoulder disability) has also been granted an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and disc disease, left knee arthritis with history of meniscal tear, and right knee arthritis with history of meniscal tear due to new evidence added to his electronic claims file.

The Veteran's initial requests for higher ratings for his right and left knee disabilities were denied. The current evaluations of 10 percent for each knee remain unchanged.

Right Elbow Scar service connection is dismissed.,Service connection for Right Ankle Osteoarthritis and Right Foot Disability is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his left knee disability, were not shown to be related to service. The Board denied these claims due to lack of evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to schedular eligibility for the period prior to July 26, 2010 is denied. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to their combined evaluation of 30 percent. The appeal for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and low back condition are remanded.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development due to the need for another VA examination of the Veteran's right knee disorder, as there is evidence that his condition may have worsened since the last examination.

The Veteran's right hip disability is denied as there was no chronic condition shown in service or within the presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.,Service connection for varicose veins cannot be granted as a current diagnosis could not be found. The examiner noted that it may be related to cold weather exposure during service.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding its etiology, with the most recent VA examination suggesting neuropathy rather than cold injury residuals.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for lumbar spine surgical scar associated with degenerative arthritis of the spine and herniated disc, status post spinal fusion is denied. The claims for service connection for right foot disorder and right ankle disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service-connected due to a documented injury during active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability.,Service connection is granted for posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol abuse disorder.,The claim for service connection for right facial Bell's Palsy is remanded.,The claim for service connection for cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU. The issue of a separate rating for pes planus is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and obtaining any outstanding medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back conditions are not related to his military service, including a claimed injury during active duty. The evidence does not support an in-service event or nexus to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that her current right knee osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not incurred in or caused by her in-service sports-related injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is related to service or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected, and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to her lower back injury during active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (Major Depressive Disorder), and bilateral hand osteoarthritis due to outstanding VA medical records not being included in the claims file.

A rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to March 1, 2019 is granted. A rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as of July 18, 2016, and prior to September 22, 2016, is denied.