Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's depressive disorder NOS, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all found to be service-connected.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's diagnosed conditions based on their direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran requested their withdrawal prior to a Board decision.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes osteoarthritis and a torn ACL, has not been found to warrant a higher rating than the current 30 percent assigned since it does not meet the criteria for extension limited to more than 15 degrees or flexion limited to less than 15 degrees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle disability, a compensable rating for right ankle scars, and TDIU prior to August 16, 2018. The decision was based on the evidence showing moderate limitation of motion with no instability or pain.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for limitation of extension, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year of service, and that any current symptoms were not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's back disability during flare-ups in 2016.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted as it is presumed to have been incurred in service due to acoustic trauma.,Service connection for low back degenerative arthritis is granted as the condition began during active service and has been continuous since separation.

The Veteran's left hip DJD status-post total hip replacement is granted a 50% disability rating, effective from November 1, 2012. Other claims are denied or remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication due to inconsistencies in the VA examination report regarding range of motion loss.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional information regarding an examiner's qualifications.

The Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected, with the cause being an in-service motor vehicle accident.,Service connection for left shoulder and ankle disabilities is denied due to lack of evidence of current disability.,An initial compensable rating for IBS prior to October 29, 2018, and a rating in excess of 30 percent from that date are both denied.

Service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and migraine headaches has been granted.,The claims of service connection for osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and anemia have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and left upper extremity CTS were denied as there was no factual evidence of a worsening in symptoms prior to January 17, 2018.,An effective date of January 17, 2018 was assigned for all claims due to the Veteran's formal claim being received within one year of his Intent to File.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is being remanded for further evaluation and additional evidence collection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip pain, finding that his symptoms began during service and have persisted since then.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 30% rating effective August 26, 2022. The left shoulder and degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder were each granted separate 20% ratings.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hypertension.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability, rated at 20%, is not entitled to a higher rating due to the lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,Prior to November 4, 2022, the Veteran's headaches are granted a noncompensable evaluation. Since then, he has been granted a 50% evaluation for very frequent prostrating attacks.,The Veteran is granted an initial 10% evaluation for urticaria throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for increased ratings and TDIU. The Veteran's right knee replacement claim was withdrawn by the Veteran in his hearing testimony. Claims for left knee degenerative arthritis, anxiety disorder, and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.