Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

Service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted. The Board also remanded the remaining issues, including service connection for a neck disorder and higher ratings for various knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the lumbar spine disability from April 4, 2016 to March 22, 2019 due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for eczema has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for left knee condition associated with degenerative arthritis, left ankle.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome has at least as likely as not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees since April 1, 2013.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated as 10 percent disabling and has not more nearly approximated a level of disability beyond mild incomplete paralysis at any point in the appeal period.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was initially evaluated at 20 percent, but has been increased to 40 percent for the period beginning August 31, 2021.,For the period prior to March 4, 2019, the Veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been granted a 40 percent evaluation from March 4, 2019 to August 30, 2021 and is denied any higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's initial claim for lumbar sprain was denied, and a rating of 20 percent is awarded from April 3, 2019. The ratings for radiculopathy are also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since March 30, 2015. The Board found the symptoms did not meet or approximate total occupational and social impairment.,Left hip femoro-acetabular osteoarthritis based on limited extension has been rated at 10 percent since March 30, 2015. The Veteran's flexion is limited to at most 100 degrees with no significant additional loss of motion due to pain or flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip condition, left hip condition, and low back condition have been denied.,There is no evidence of any in-service injury or event that would support the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it had its onset during or is causally related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10% prior to December 5, 2019 and at 30% from December 5, 2019 to July 1, 2021. The Board found a uniform 30% rating for the entire period prior to July 1, 2021. After July 1, 2021, the Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20%. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain. The Veteran's left and right shoulder disorders, as well as his left hip, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathy are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to deficiencies in VA's duty to assist, including obtaining additional medical records.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the left knee due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA), as well as the etiology of his right knee disability. The Veteran needs further examination and clarification on these points.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information regarding his exposure to hazardous substances and materials during service. The Veteran is also required to undergo examinations for his cervical spine, lumbar spine injury, left knee, and right knee conditions.

This decision dismisses the appeal for a compensable rating for hearing loss. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since December 1, 2011. The right shoulder strain was initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 25, 2019, and then denied from that date forward. Right knee strain has been rated at 10 percent overall. Limited flexion of the right knee is rated as degenerative arthritis, while instability is separately rated.,reasoning for summary sentence: The Veteran's conditions were evaluated based on their current manifestations without considering prior ratings or any changes in disability status.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and has remanded the issue of right lower extremity arthritis.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, left knee instability, and right knee instability have been granted increased ratings. Service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow bursitis and left knee osteoarthritis due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the spine from 40 percent to 20 percent was not proper and reinstated the 40 percent evaluation. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities associated with degenerative arthritis of the spine are remanded.