Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of left and right shoulder osteoarthritis, as well as right and left restless leg syndrome, were denied. The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions warranted a higher rating.,The VA examinations provided sufficient information to determine that the Veteran’s range of motion was limited to 45 degrees from the side, which does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's right hip disorder, genitourinary disorder other than erectile dysfunction (epididymo-orchitis), nasal disorder, and several musculoskeletal conditions are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions is being remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service exposure or service-connected disabilities. Further examination and opinion may be necessary under recent changes in law related to toxic exposure claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been granted an increased rating of 30 percent effective April 23, 2019.,Increased ratings have also been granted for the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities at a 30 percent rating effective April 23, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and a right ankle disability, as well as an increased rating for panic disorder without agoraphobia and antisocial personality disorder. The Board also remanded several issues including left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and SMC based upon the need for aid and attendance.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and right ankle disabilities were not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran contends his current back conditions are related to an in-service injury, but VA records do not support this claim.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his reported in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, and low back disability are granted. The claims for respiratory condition (shortness of breath), bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral knee pain, headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to unclear evidence regarding the appellant's capacity to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, specifically related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The evidence did not show incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions were rated based on their impact on range of motion and neurological symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee and hammer toe with degenerative arthritis of the right first MTP joint due to incomplete records, need for additional examinations, and potential Reserve records.

The Veteran's tinnitus, left shoulder disorder, and left hip disorder are all found to be related to his military service. Sleep apnea is also granted as being related to service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not show that it meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and extension, dislocated semilunar cartilage prior to July 16, 2018, and removal of semilunar cartilage effective from that date, is rated at a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, with residuals of hemiarthroplasty implant, great right toe was granted a 20 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is granted an initial 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The ratings for cervical strain with IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are denied prior to October 19, 2021, but granted thereafter. Separate ratings for left hip bursitis and patellar instability associated with left knee degenerative arthritis are granted effective from October 19, 2021. The rating for right knee bipartite patella with discoid medial meniscus is granted a separate 20 percent rating as of January 28, 2022.

The Veteran's right and left ankle fractures with degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating from October 16, 2017 to May 20, 2018. The reduction in ratings was proper as of May 21, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development due to the need for a new VA examination regarding his back disability and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.