Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for cervical spine disability and PTSD have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim has been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The left knee, right hip, left foot, and back disorder claims are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, left hip disability, and left leg disability due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for service-connected vaginitis was granted. The Board also remanded the issues regarding a left knee condition and a lower back condition, as well as their relationship to the left knee condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his total left knee arthroplasty and gunshot wound to the tibia, is rated at 60 percent since February 1, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for SMC due to the need for aid and attendance was denied as there is no persuasive evidence showing he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, bilateral hip pain, and neck condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left lower extremity amputation.,A rating higher than 40 percent for left knee traumatic below-joint amputation is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially his left ankle disability, have rendered him unemployable since March 1, 2009. The Board has determined that a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis is warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee and right hip are proximately due to his service-connected residuals, left foot injury. As a result, these claims for secondary service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for right knee patellar tendinitis and degenerative arthritis is denied. The Veteran's separate evaluation for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity prior to July 5, 2019, was also denied. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis has been rated at 20 percent for limitation of flexion, 40 percent for limitation of extension, and 20 percent for instability. The total rating is 70 percent.

The Veteran's left hip disability, bilateral knee degenerative changes, left ankle osteoarthritis, and right foot disabilities are all granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with instability due to inadequate range of motion testing in weight-bearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot pes planus, right knee disability, and low back disability. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.,The VA examiners provided opinions indicating that there was no direct link between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to incomplete records. Additional examinations may be necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions. The claims are being returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20% effective November 21, 2019. The previous rating of 10% prior to that date is being discontinued.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a service-connected left knee disability was denied. The Veteran also had claims for instability of the left knee and separate ratings, but these were not addressed as they are considered part of the main issue.

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

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for sleep apnea and increased ratings for radial head fracture and osteoarthritis of the left elbow due to incomplete examinations and lack of range of motion findings.