Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 70%, fracture of the left elbow rated at 10%, and degenerative arthritis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and lumbar spine rated at 10%, do not preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or severe instability, which are required for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and GERD with esophagitis and flexible hiatal hernia, finding that the current conditions are related to service. The Veteran's complaints of knee pain during service were diagnosed as chondromalacia patella, which is now diagnosed as osteoarthritis. For the gastrointestinal disorder, the Board found that the Veteran had abdominal symptoms during service, including muscle spasms and discomfort, which resolved prior to separation but are currently diagnosed as GERD with esophagitis and flexible hiatal hernia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not related to his active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left hip arthroplasty and right hip stress fracture with degenerative arthritis have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn them.

The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome is rated at 20 percent prior to February 18, 2016 and 30 percent from that date. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his condition.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are both currently rated at 40 percent each, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis, and a low back disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his service, specifically the 1960 injury. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's osteoarthritis is more likely due to age and occupation factors rather than the in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and any available private treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder osteoarthritis and migraine headaches have been granted higher initial ratings, while the tinea pedis with onychomycosis remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining SSA records and determining if an extraschedular TDIU rating on his service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2009, is warranted.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted does not support reopening of the previously denied claims for service connection for a head injury with headaches, PTSD, and left/right hand disabilities. The Veteran's back disability is also not supported by the evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, including consideration of exposure to jet fuel and herbicides. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis and chondrocalcinosis of the left knee under DC 5258, effective June 2, 2017. The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, and he is entitled to a separate rating for instability of his left knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, diagnosed as a chronic rotator cuff tear and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, is related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities and bilateral hearing loss. The issues regarding increased ratings for his left hip conditions are also being remanded.