Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome, degenerative arthritis, Hill-Sachs deformity, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent. The claim for TDIU has been withdrawn.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, hypertension, epididymitis, and bilateral flat feet due to lack of evidence showing onset during active service or within one year of discharge. The VA examiners provided negative nexus opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the severity of his low back and left knee disabilities, as he has reported that these conditions have worsened since his last examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting a VA examination, and providing an etiology opinion. The Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the evaluations for thoracolumbar spine DDD and status post vertebral fusion with slight dextrorotoscoliosis, right knee retropatellar pain syndrome with osteoarthritis, right total knee arthroplasty, status post left total knee replacement, DJD right shoulder status post rotator cuff repair and pin replacement, and hypertension. As such, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating for the entire appellate period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is service-connected and grants this claim. The TDIU claim is denied as the Veteran is currently employed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a clarifying opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current back disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that the conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder and tinnitus are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and left ankle disabilities were denied. The VA found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between service and hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability, including any neurological manifestations. The current rating of 10 percent will not be changed until further evaluation.

The Veteran's low back disability has been manifested by forward flexion to 80 degrees and no incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome or separately ratable associated neurological symptoms. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis warrants a rating of 20 percent, effective November 25, 2014. The left hip disability is rated as non-compensable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various knee, hip, and foot disabilities due to lack of evidence supporting a compensable rating for his TBI residuals.

The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 30, 2008, and from October 1, 2008, to October 3, 2008, were denied because the services were not rendered for a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, on September 30, 2008, and from October 1, 2008, to October 3, 2008, were denied because the services were not rendered for a service-connected disability.