Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to June 25, 2014, did not render him unemployable due to the combined rating of 50% which does not meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction in the rating assigned for hypothyroidism, degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder with rotator cuff tear, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted. TDIU based on service-connected disabilities other than hypothyroidism was granted effective from February 23, 2015 to September 19, 2019, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status was granted effective February 23, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spurring and spondylosis with degenerative arthritis was rated at 20 percent, effective June 22, 2016. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating due to functional impairment caused by pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that his degenerative arthritis of the spine and degenerative disc disorder did not originate in service or within one year of discharge. The Board concluded there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for plantar fasciitis is denied as the highest schedular rating has been assigned. The Board finds that his symptoms are fully addressed by the current rating criteria and do not warrant an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal of the evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis left knee and his claim for service connection for skin condition have been dismissed.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at a combined 20 percent, effective December 11, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to the grant of maximum ratings for his service-connected conditions, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examination. The effective date claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee disability and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating beyond 30 percent, as there were no chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the right knee.

The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted, effective from his death in December 2021.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been submitted and the claims for service connection must be remanded to allow for further review by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current ratable disability.,His right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and left foot disabilities, as well as shin splints, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and headaches. The claims are based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The issues include right inguinal hernia, left hip condition (osteoarthritis), right hip condition (osteoarthritis), and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including affording new knee examinations and obtaining opinions regarding the likely etiology of his bilateral hamstring weakness, right ankle weakness, and bilateral knee 'bucking'.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional medical opinions regarding his hip and thigh disabilities due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.