Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis has been rated based on limitation of motion, but the current ratings do not reflect any additional functional loss or impairment due to pain. The Board finds that remand is necessary to consider whether a higher rating can be assigned for his disability.

The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis and right knee tendonitis are granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis and pes planus with midfoot osteoarthritis, is related to excessive weight bearing activity and foot problems during service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective October 24, 2013 due to his service-connected PTSD and related disabilities. The right knee and spine conditions are rated at 20% each.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left ankle status post avulsion fracture is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right hip limitation of flexion is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right hip limitation of extension is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right hip limitation of abduction, adduction, and rotation is currently denied as compensable.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is granted as service connected. The right knee disability receives a 30% rating for limitation of flexion and a 40% rating for limitation of extension. The right ankle osteoarthritis, status post fracture, receives a 20% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis due to a lack of adequate examination in the initial decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for right and left knee strains with osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion have been denied.,The previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been dismissed as the issue is moot due to the award of service connection for insomnia disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition and a right wrist condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to incidents during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder impingement with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury or event.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities began during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for eczema (lipoma on back) is dismissed due to procedural issues. The appeals for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain and left shoulder impingement with rotator cuff tear and AC joint OA are denied. The claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's left knee condition is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) issued by the Veteran's representative and the VA Office of the General Counsel. The JMR requested that the Board address the issue of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, including evidence provided during the December 2021 hearing where the Veteran's spouse stated he cannot be around bodies of water without being reminded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to July 14, 2011, precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rotator cuff and bicipital tendon repair with degenerative arthritis, right shoulder; shoulder strain, left; and surgical scars, right shoulder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's right knee disability, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (presumed), and obstructive sleep apnea are all granted service connection. The specific nature of the other specified depressive disorder is denied.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for a compensable rating for sinusitis and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis.