Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left ankle degenerative arthritis and a post-convalescent rating in excess of 30 percent for left ankle degenerative arthritis with residuals, status post joint fusion and ankylosis due to incomplete development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, is being reviewed again for possible service connection.

The Veteran's right knee subluxation and instability are denied a compensable rating from January 13, 2009 to July 12, 2016.,The Veteran's right knee disability prior to October 12, 2016 is rated at 10%.,The Veteran's right knee disability from October 12, 2016 to July 18, 2017 is rated at 30%.,The Veteran's right knee disability from July 18, 2017 to January 1, 2021 is rated at 40%.,The Veteran's right knee disability from January 1, 2021 to present is rated at 10%.,The Veteran's left knee disability prior to October 12, 2016 is rated at 10%,The Veteran's left knee disability from October 12, 2016 to January 1, 2021 is rated at 30%.,The Veteran's left knee disability from January 1, 2021 to present is rated at 10%

The appeal pertaining to the application to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for gastrointestinal disorder, left knee disorder, and respiratory disorder (sleep apnea) is dismissed. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that the current condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale provided in previous VA opinions. The issues include peripheral neuropathy of various extremities, DM, hypertension, and foot disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no continuity of symptomatology. The Board also found that the current degenerative arthritis was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board has dismissed all claims including service connection for various conditions and TDIU due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 2010.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee condition, and remanded the issues related to gout, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the ankles, feet, right hand, and right wrist. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a maximum of 40 percent, effective September 19, 2016.,Hypertension was granted as service-connected.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected right shoulder disability was denied. The maximum evaluation of 40 percent is the highest allowed under Diagnostic Code 5201, which evaluates limitation of motion of the arm or shoulder.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to his service and if arthritis manifested within one year of discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, right hip strain (trochanteric bursitis), left hip strain (trochanteric bursitis), and obstructive sleep apnea. The claim for service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether it had its onset in service.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to her right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to incomplete STRs and outstanding VA treatment records. An addendum opinion is needed from an examiner other than the December 2019 VA examiner.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has remanded this issue for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. Service connection for his bilateral foot conditions, loss of sense of smell, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and knee conditions are denied.