Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

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breath), bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral knee pain, headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) have been withdrawn by the Veteran.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.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate examination findings.,Further development is required to obtain an adequate medical examination and assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for a back disability is granted as it is at least in part caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of status post right knee medial meniscectomy.,Service connection for skin cancer and sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence addressing the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right knee degenerative joint disease have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left upper extremity degenerative arthritis, right upper extremity degenerative arthritis, and left ear hearing loss. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's left hip disability is remanded for a VA examination to address the relationship between his service-connected lumbar spine disability and his current left hip osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% rating, and he is granted SMC from March 30, 2020. The TDIU claim prior to March 30, 2020, is dismissed as moot.

The reduction in the disability rating for service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with IVDS at L3 and L4 from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective June 12, 2018, was improper; restoration of the Veteran's 20 percent disability rating is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability, which includes acquired pes cavus with degenerative arthritis, hallux valgus, and hammertoes, has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent. The evidence does not show actual loss of use of the feet.