Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an additional disability rating of 10 percent for instability of the right knee from August 2, 2019 was granted. The claim for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis remained denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional vocational rehabilitation training benefits to obtain a law degree and retroactive induction into a rehabilitation program for completion of a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management due to incomplete records and need for further evaluation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right knee degenerative joint disease was denied. However, he received a separate 20 percent rating for moderate instability of the right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis, and erectile dysfunction. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony regarding the onset of these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various hip, knee, shoulder, and spine conditions are being remanded due to the failure of VA to schedule examinations as instructed in a previous Board decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claim for an initial compensable rating from December 12, 2014, through August 31, 2016 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings and separate compensable ratings were denied as the evidence did not support higher disability ratings based on service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease rating was reduced from 40% to 20%, effective June 1, 2017. The reduction is being remanded as it may have been improper.,The Veteran’s lumbar spine degenerative disc disease has now been restored to a 40% rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left knee disability, whether his hypertension is related to service, and whether his bilateral shoulder disabilities are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's back condition was granted increased ratings from February 11, 2010 to February 23, 2011 and again from February 24, 2011.,An earlier effective date of February 11, 2010 for the award of a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate VA opinions regarding his left foot, left hip, low back, and left knee disabilities. The claims will be further evaluated with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and conflicting opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA records, and provide additional medical opinions on the origin of his heart disabilities and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the effective dates are not earlier than June 30, 2016.,Claims for increased ratings for scars of the bilateral knees and left foot and metatarsal base fracture of the left foot with degenerative arthritis were also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate examination. The other claims remain denied.

The Veteran's sensory deficits of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's left shoulder dislocation and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (L5/S1) are also currently rated as 20 percent disabling, with no indication of any other service-connected conditions or exposure basis.

The Board dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those for PTSD and other conditions, due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition and for an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee with osteoarthritis prior to May 14, 2013. The TDIU claim was also remanded due to incomplete worker's compensation records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left elbow disability due to inadequate examination and lack of documentation of an in-service injury. The case is sent back for further evaluation.