Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied prior to October 13, 2015. From that date, he received a 20 percent disability rating.,For radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, the Veteran received a 40 percent disability rating from October 13, 2015. For right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (sciatic nerve), he was granted a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation, warranting referral for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another person, nor were they sufficient to qualify for SMC based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied, while the appeal to restore his 50% rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood was granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of July 27, 2012. The right foot sprain rating is denied. A temporary total rating for left knee surgery is granted from August 22, 1990 to November 1, 1990. Chronic constipation is rated at 10 percent effective July 12, 2012. Limitation of flexion of the left and right knees are denied. The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is granted. Service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran's left foot condition is found to be proximately due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the metatarsal of the right foot, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's current foot disabilities are not considered to have onset in or be related to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for left lower extremity neuropathy and right lower extremity neuropathy, both of which the Board found did not have their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee chondromalacia with osteoarthritis status post ACL repair and for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of motion prior to March 15, 2016. The remand also includes the issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board dismissed the appeal for an additional temporary rating (convalescence) for shoulder impingement with osteoarthritis, right shoulder, from March 1, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee and foot conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on any of the issues. As such, no rating or determination was made.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is granted as secondary to his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine at T12 with degenerative arthritis. The disability rating for his compression fracture remains remanded.

The Veteran's left knee surgery performed on July 28, 2006 required convalescence for at least six months. The Board granted a temporary total evaluation of 100% from October 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability has been reopened, but the claims for bilateral shoulder disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The claims include increased rating and TDIU issues related to lower back condition and left lower extremity sensory deficit.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis and instability was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is granted as incurred in service.,The Veteran's left arm, left hand/wrist, and right hand/wrist disorders are not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's left knee instability is granted at a 20 percent rating effective from February 7, 2021. The Veteran was previously denied service connection for PTSD and a sleeping disorder.

The Board has granted a TDIU as of May 10, 2021, due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.