Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate information provided in a previous VA examination regarding pain on range of motion testing for cervical spine osteoarthritis. The Veteran's disability rating remains under appeal.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right elbow disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an increased disability rating based on limitation of range of motion or instability, and thus a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's generalized body aches with tender points, bilateral pes planus disability, and degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are all granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the August 2021 Board remand and has ordered further action to be taken on the appeals for higher ratings for service-connected ankle, knee, and hip disabilities. The AOJ is required to review the expanded record, including private examinations submitted by the Veteran's representative in December 2020, and any additional audiograms obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower extremity disabilities, including her right ankle sural neuroma; recurrent stress fractures, shin splints, and right ankle impairment; left ankle impairment; tailor's bunion left fifth metatarsal; right third toe hammer toe deformity; left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various upper extremity disabilities, including wrist, forearm, humerus, elbow, and shoulder conditions, all of which are deemed secondary to his service-connected right thumb disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and re-adjudication due to deficiencies in the rating decisions, including issues related to knee extension measurements and instability ratings.

The Veteran's right and left knee arthropathy and degenerative arthritis, as well as his right and left elbow tendinitis, lumbosacral arthralgia, L5-S1 paracentral disc protrusion, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are all granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's claimed conditions based on their relationship to in-service injuries or stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that he does not have a current diagnosis of this condition. The Board also remanded the issues regarding his bilateral ankle disabilities due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a right great toe fracture and right knee degenerative arthritis have been granted. The claim for bilateral foot disability is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, is rated at 40 percent effective July 24, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for IBS, and a temporary total evaluation for hospitalization were denied. The Board also remanded the issues of increased ratings for bilateral foot, low back, and PTSD disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for painful motion, and his right knee disability is also rated at 10 percent for painful motion.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder with stress and urge incontinence is currently rated at 40 percent prior to October 22, 2020 and 60 percent beginning from that date. The RO must obtain all records related to the September 2014 cervical fusion.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is currently rated at 10 percent prior to December 7, 2016 and 30 percent beginning from that date. The RO must obtain all records related to the September 2014 cervical fusion.,The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated at 40 percent since May 2, 2018. The RO must obtain all records related to the September 2014 cervical fusion.,The Veteran's cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 30 percent effective from May 2, 2018. The RO must obtain all records related to the September 2014 cervical fusion.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD was granted. The claims for major depressive disorder, bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid, and osteoarthritis of bilateral knees were also reopened.,Service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome and chalazion of the left lower lid is granted as secondary to service-connected blepharitis. Service connection for osteoarthritis of bilateral knees remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for insomnia is remanded due to a lack of recent examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for C2-C3 post traumatic neuralgia (diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine) is remanded because the VA examiner did not specifically address his claim and there was insufficient information about the location of his degenerative arthritis in the C2-C3 region.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for numbness left arm and right arm (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) are remanded due to a lack of recent examination and because the VA examiner did not provide a direct service connection opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for L3-L4 diffuse disc bulging/L2-L5 lumbar spondylosis is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercalcemia (also claimed as a skin condition) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding continuity of care after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for abnormal myeloma cells (diagnosed as monoclonal gammopathy and leukopenia) is remanded because the VA examiner did not provide sufficient information about his exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.