Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on various conditions were denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was granted with an effective date of August 21, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including an orthopedic examination and a neurological consult if necessary, to assess the severity of the Veteran's back disability during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The issue of service connection for a gastroesophageal or gastrointestinal disability (claimed as 'gastrointestinal disability') is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted. The housebound claim is dismissed due to the grant of SMC by reason of regular need for aid and attendance. The claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and left knee arthroscopy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's knee conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including expert opinions on her employability and potential employment opportunities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the combined rating not meeting the percentage requirements for schedular entitlement, and the Board finds evidence suggesting he may be unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The case must now be submitted to the Director of Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment since July 29, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle peroneal tendonitis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, left foot degenerative arthritis, and right foot degenerative arthritis. Service connection is also granted for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine but denied for basal cell carcinoma of the upper lip.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent prior to January 17, 2019 and from January 17, 2019. The claim for a staged rating in excess of 40 percent is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for osteoarthritis of the left first MTP joint is granted, and his initial rating for a left fifth toe scar is also granted. However, the effective date for service connection remains unresolved.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left ankle disability due to the July 1987 MVA is denied.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower back and hypertension secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee pain (osteoarthritis) and left knee pain (s/p total knee replacement). The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 30 percent from July 30, 2014 to August 28, 2020. The evaluation was denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it had its onset in service and is related to the Veteran's history of parachute jumps during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for pleural disease with restrictive lung disease, right leg length discrepancy, and right knee osteoarthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including consideration of all relevant evidence. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but not higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification on the rheumatic disabilities present during the appeal period and their relationship to service. The Veteran's statements, including his testimony from a July 2016 hearing, are considered in forming the medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's in-service repetitive use of his hands caused his current conditions.