Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a lower back disability, to include degenerative arthritis of the spine. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on painful motion with noncompensable limitation of motion.

An effective date of March 26, 2015 was granted for a 10 percent disability rating for asthma.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during service and granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it began in or was related to service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain, bilateral pes planus, degenerative arthritis with instability of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis with instability of the right knee are all granted service connection. The Veteran's tinnitus is also granted service connection.,However, chronic fatigue syndrome, right ear hearing loss, a right ankle disorder, and a left ankle disorder remain pending for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected periodontal disease associated with dental trauma #7 to #11 and degenerative arthritis, right little finger are not rated higher due to the current severity of these conditions.,Entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of the right hand is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient examination findings, lack of information regarding flare-ups, and need for additional medical records. The Veteran is also requested to provide private medical records related to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's surviving spouse withdrew the claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, diabetes mellitus type II, diverticulitis, elevated cholesterol, Parkinsonism, gall stones, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, osteoarthritis, and pancytopenia.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left shoulder degenerative arthritis is denied.,The claims for higher ratings for cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded, as further development is needed to determine the extent of current disability.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and initial ratings for her left knee and hip disabilities was denied. She received a single, increased 50 percent rating for left knee ACL repair with arthritis and ankylosis effective October 21, 2016. A separate 20 percent rating for left knee instability was granted from the same date. Initial ratings of 40 percent and 20 percent were granted for left hip osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion and abduction respectively, both effective October 21, 2016. The Veteran received a 70 percent rating for left hip osteoarthritis with ankylosis from November 11, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disorder and an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The Veteran is to be provided another VA examination to address his headaches, and a new evaluation of his lumbar spine disability. These matters will be returned for further appellate consideration.

The Board has granted separate 20 percent ratings for right knee locking and left knee locking. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability was denied as the current cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc disease is not etiologically related to his period of service.,The reduction in rating from 10 to 0 percent for fibromyalgia effective September 1, 2017 was granted and the Veteran's former 10 percent rating was restored.

The Veteran's left knee lateral meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis have been rated, with the highest available rating of 30 percent for instability since July 31, 2015. A separate 20 percent rating has also been granted for 'locking,' pain, and effusion into the joint from August 10, 2021. The Veteran's limitation of flexion is rated at a 10 percent level as of August 7, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension. The back disability is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left total knee replacement and right foot metatarsalgia with pes planus. Erectile dysfunction is also secondary to his service-connected disabilities. However, hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

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

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral foot disabilities due to lack of compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee osteoarthritis as they require additional development, specifically obtaining VA examinations that include instructions to address any additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a gastrointestinal disability (other than gastroesophageal reflux disease) is denied. The claims for increased ratings of lumbar spine, right knee chondromalacia with quadriceps and popliteal tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, left knee chondromalacia with quadriceps and popliteal tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, and right knee meniscal tear are all denied. The Veteran's service-connected residual scars, bilateral gynecomastia, status post liposuction and bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy, and residual scars of the anterior trunk and chest do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.