Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The right knee patellar tendonitis is rated at 10 percent, while the left knee patellar tendonitis is also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's pinguecula is remanded for further examination to determine its likely cause.,The Veteran's left ankle disability, loss of sensation in the left and right hands, acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depressive disorder), left shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability are all remanded as they may be related to his service-connected back disability. The Veteran also has other issues that need examination including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and allergic rhinitis.,The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis based on limitation of flexion and extension is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and additional development is required. The claim will be addressed again, including whether the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain aggravated his other lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective October 30, 2019. The left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded by the Board.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine prior to September 21, 2020 is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine from September 21, 2020 is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including history of IVDS, is rated at 20% prior to June 1, 2017; 10% from June 1, 2017 to December 20, 2020; and no higher. The Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy, right lower extremity, is also rated at 20% prior to June 1, 2017; 10% from June 1, 2017 to December 20, 2020; and no higher.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has been rated based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's radiculopathy, right lower extremity, has been rated under the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 20, 2018. The radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are each rated at 10 and 20 percent respectively, also effective December 20, 2018.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the right leg is granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the left leg remains denied.

Your claims for service connection of left hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been granted in a December 2020 rating decision. The Board has dismissed your appeals for an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disability, hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes mellitus, and back disability. The Veteran's skin condition is considered to be related to his active service. His hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes mellitus, and back disability are not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for bilateral foot disorder prior to May 11, 2015 is granted. A higher 50 percent rating from May 11, 2015 remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right thumb and traumatic arthritis lumbar spine were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right and left knees were evaluated under the criteria for arthritis following total knee replacement, with a minimum of 30% disability rating. The issues related to instability have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address the bilateral knee disabilities, service connection claims, and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a back disability. The issue of service connection for a left foot disability, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, but remanded the issues of service connection for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 100% effective August 1, 2018. The rating was reduced to 50% in July 2019 due to improvement under ordinary conditions of life and work. The appeal is granted as the reduction was improper.,Effective dates for service connection are determined based on when entitlement arose or when a claim was received within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability with cervical strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase in rating as his range of motion meets the current criteria for this rating level.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability with lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase in rating as his range of motion also meets the current criteria for this rating level.