Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 30 percent from August 1, 2014. The Board denied a higher rating for the period prior to January 10, 2014 and granted a separate 40 percent rating for severe incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and headaches have been granted service connection.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include depression) is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and the right knee disability is rated at 10 percent. The issue of a higher rating for left knee instability has been granted.,The Veteran's right knee instability is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease that led to current diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a substance use disorder and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right foot tenosynovitis with mild osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support secondary service connection for the substance use disorder, and that the severity of the right foot disability did not warrant a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and headaches, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted with a 30 percent rating from September 5, 2011 to July 31, 2019. A higher 40 percent rating is granted for the period August 6, 2018 to July 31, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 11, 2016.

The Board has found that the appellant does not have a current right knee disability and breast cancer with double mastectomy, as they are not related to service. The claims for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, had its onset during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating for his service-connected back disability. The TDIU claim was also denied as of December 6, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right thumb disability, and bilateral pes planus require additional examinations to determine their current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The low back disability and associated radiculopathy are remanded for further examination to determine their severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol use disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, folliculitis of the shoulders, back, hips and thighs, subluxation and chondromalacia of the left knee, bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, de Quervain's tenosynovitis of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes, and right and left shoulder strain have been withdrawn. The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, residuals of an injury to the left index finger, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, chronic tendonitis and patella dislocation of the right knee, right knee scar, deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and psychiatric disorder are being reviewed again as secondary to bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings for left elbow arthritis and PTSD due to conflicting findings in a previous VA examination report and unclear functional loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, blurred vision, itchy skin, headaches, nausea, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spinal stenosis due to inadequate examination and opinions. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's right thumb disability is being remanded for additional development, including a neurological examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation until his retirement in December 2018 due to health issues and 'life in general'.