Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and radiculopathy disabilities, as well as headaches due to lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran is also being provided an opportunity for a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) other than headaches was denied. The Board found no evidence of non-headache TBI residuals.,A rating of 30 percent for right knee status-post cartilage restoration surgery with degenerative arthritis, but not higher, is granted from December 29, 2013 to September 23, 2019. The Veteran's condition was found to more closely approximate the criteria for a 30 percent rating during this period.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and secondary conditions. The Board has determined that further development is needed for the claims of left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, soft tissue disorder of the legs, and cardiovascular disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and other foot disorders, finding that there was no evidence of aggravation during service and that current disabilities were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied a TDIU rating on an extraschedular basis prior to December 1, 2010, finding that the Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis are rated at 10% and 30%, respectively. Separate ratings of 20% each have been granted for dislocated semilunar cartilage in both knees.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral knee, shoulder, and back conditions due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of her upper back disability was withdrawn by the appellant.,Service connection for PTSD resulting from military sexual assault during active duty was granted.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and shoulder disorders due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.,Specifically, the Veteran's current back condition was found not related to his in-service participation in jump school.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to May 16, 2014 based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated as 10 percent prior to November 20, 2020 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating under either the pre-amended or amended criteria.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis, service connection for erectile dysfunction and left ear hearing loss, and TDIU. The case will be remanded to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left ankle disability, right foot disorder, and left foot disorder due to incomplete development in previous examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory condition, migraine headaches, and osteoarthritis of cervical spine.,There is no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disabilities, including instability, degenerative arthritis, and internal derangement, were not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) or special monthly compensation (SMC) due to regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board found that his disabilities alone do not render him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU, and his claim was denied on this basis.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and instability have been rated at the lowest possible evaluation (10%) since August 1, 2004. The Board has determined that these evaluations are not adequate to reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's initial hip disability (superimposed arthritis) is rated at 10 percent, but an increased rating of 30 percent for limitation of extension is granted.