Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to March 13, 2018 rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine at T12 with degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to new evidence showing worsening symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's back disability, characterized by limited forward flexion and no favorable ankylosis, is rated at 40 percent for the period prior to June 23, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot hammer toes, hallux valgus, and osteoarthritis is remanded due to inadequate opinion in the July 2020 VA examination.

The Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis was diagnosed during service and is considered to be due to the injury sustained in service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy were remanded for further evaluation. Service connection was also remanded for GERD, lumbar spine disability, sciatica, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his right foot residual fracture of the proximal phalanx (2nd, 3rd, and 4th toes) is rated at 30 percent. The higher ratings are granted.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and lateral instability are rated at 10 percent, while the meniscal tear is rated at 20 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for these conditions remains denied.

The Veteran's initial 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is granted, effective July 19, 2013. The case is remanded for further evaluation regarding TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee due to insufficient evidence in the record, including lack of a retrospective medical opinion and inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and restoration of disability ratings are being remanded due to procedural issues.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and remanded the claim for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right foot disability. A new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for limitation of flexion prior to January 24, 2018 or a compensable evaluation for extension limitation. The Veteran is currently receiving appropriate ratings based on instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee pain, right great toe pain, and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the claimed mechanisms of injury.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The TDIU claim remains part of the right knee increased evaluation claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine with radiculopathy and intervertebral disc syndrome, finding that his current condition is related to an in-service injury.