Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and instability, is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various joint disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of multiple joints (including ankles, knees, and feet), were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, right hip degenerative arthritis, and right shoulder tendonitis. The decision is based on the Veteran's reports of continuous pain symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, sinusitis, headaches, acid reflux, esophagitis, thyroid, and abdominal hernia have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal.,Service connection has been granted for lumbar spine DDD, sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, left hip osteoarthritis, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's back disability and bilateral hearing loss disability are remanded for further examination and rating. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be part of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's left femur fracture with degenerative arthritis of the left knee has resulted in marked disability, including slight instability and limited extension. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after discharge. The current disability is not related to any in-service injury.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the left knee has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.,Service connection was denied for an eye disability other than hypertensive retinopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders and increased ratings for cervical spine strain, thoracolumbar spine strain, and radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The case is now before the Board again.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation due to housebound status or need for aid and attendance is remanded. The Board finds it necessary to obtain a VA neurology examination to determine the etiology of left foot drop, which may affect eligibility for these benefits. Additionally, a new VA aid and attendance examination is needed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition is granted as secondary to his service-connected orthopedic conditions. Various issues of service connection and disability ratings are also granted or remanded.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on painful motion and limitation of motion, with no compensable flexion or extension. The appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that his current condition is due to his active duty service. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's consistent statements regarding the onset of his knee pain during service and resolves any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal seeking entitlement to a right foot injury is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with chondrocalcinosis and anterior cruciate ligament deficiency is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not adequately reflect his current level of disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral shoulder conditions, specifically her claim for service connection. The Veteran is required to provide an addendum opinion from a VA medical professional addressing her lay testimony of shoulder pain since service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently evaluated at a 20 percent rating due to limited range of motion, but not meeting the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The case is remanded for further action.