Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease L4-S1 is granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher. The ratings for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis and service connection for skin conditions other than carbuncle scars have been denied. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant an increased rating, and there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for degenerative arthritis of the right hand and a right foot disability, including pes planus. The VA examinations are inadequate, and additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an additional VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several cases related to the Veteran's knee conditions, including those involving limitation of flexion and degenerative arthritis in both knees. The remand is due to insufficient information regarding weight-bearing range of motion measurements.

The Board has restored the Veteran's ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and hypertension to their previous levels, finding that the reductions were improper.,Both the reduction in rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from 40% to 10%, and the reduction in rating for hypertension from 20% to 10%, are being restored.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee limitation of flexion, extension, instability, and scar due to outstanding VA treatment records not being obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscal tear residuals and total knee replacement residuals, and left knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscal tear residuals. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to February 13, 2012 is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. For the period prior to March 30, 2021, his left knee conditions were rated as 10 percent for medial tear with osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellofemoral compartment. From September 1, 2021 onwards, he received a TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the aggravation of his service-connected ulcerative colitis by other conditions. The effective dates and ratings remain pending further review.

The Board has granted service connection for back arthritis and bilateral knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his periods of active duty service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for left hip osteoarthritis, left thigh limitation of extension, and left thigh limitation of flexion as they have been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney. The case is remanded for further action on the claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral lichen simplex and chronic dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports regarding the Veteran's right shoulder flareups and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining retrospective medical opinions to estimate range of motion and additional impairment due to pain at specific examination dates.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during the period from September 22, 2009, to prior to December 16, 2017. Therefore, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted for this period.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is rated at 30 percent prior to October 17, 2016, and denied for higher ratings thereafter. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her thoracolumbar osteoarthritis and lumbosacral strain, as well as service connection for her left knee disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.