Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at a 20 percent disability level, with forward flexion limited to 45 degrees.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been secured with respect to the claim of cervical spine condition (claimed as neck pain), and therefore, reconsideration is warranted. The Veteran's bilateral degenerative arthritis of the knees was aggravated beyond its natural progression due to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent and later combined into a single rating of 10 percent effective February 1, 2018, is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of marked limitation of motion in any time period.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his pending claims and appeals, including those related to bronchitis, dermatitis, tremors, chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee strain, low back strain, multiple scars on the left side of body, sinusitis with headaches, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for right knee degenerative arthritis is dismissed as it is a freestanding claim not subject to review in the context of this appeal.,The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to need for clarification on whether the condition involves the meniscus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as there is not enough evidence to show that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied. Claims for increased ratings of various hip and knee disorders, as well as left leg shin splints, were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right-hand disabilities, including degenerative arthritis, trigger fingers, and De Quervain tenosynovitis. The Veteran is asked to provide records from any healthcare providers who have treated her for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial disability ratings for left knee disability and TBI were denied. The Board found that the symptomatology did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development of the evidence.

Your claims for service connection for right knee and right hip osteoarthritis are dismissed under the legacy system.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to new and material evidence. The effective date for the increased rating of 30 percent for headaches remains denied as there was no factually ascertainable increase in severity prior to May 24, 2018.,The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent but not higher due to lack of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks. The left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis is also rated at 20 percent as there is no limitation of motion that meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, effective June 20, 2014. The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the entire appeal period and denied entitlement to higher ratings or additional benefits. The case is remanded for further action on TDIU and DEA eligibility claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address certain evidence. The Veteran's low back disorder is being remanded for a new VA examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus disability was reopened and granted. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was also granted. The claims for left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for right and left knee disabilities, as well as shoulder disabilities. The RO is instructed to obtain private medical records from identified providers and associate physical therapy records with the claims file.

Your claim for service connection for your back disability has been resolved, and you are now receiving a 20% rating effective February 13, 2023. Your appeal is dismissed as moot because the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The hypertension and tinnitus cases did not meet the criteria for higher ratings, while the migraine headaches claim was granted a 30 percent rating effective from June 7, 2021. The lumbar spine disability received a compensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability and related radiculopathy issues are remanded for further development. Service connection for PTSD is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and granted a noncompensable rating for scars associated with left knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities, as well as PTSD, have been denied.