Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent. Service connection for hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine are granted, while service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, ingrown toenails, and a skin disorder are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions, including the suprapatellar effusion and complex tear.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is at least as likely as not incurred in service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in its decision regarding TDIU, specifically addressing whether the Veteran is capable of sedentary work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at 100%, combined. He does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate, and his TDIU claim is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion, as the flexion and extension were limited to 80 degrees during flare-ups. Service connection for tinnitus was granted due to new and material evidence being received.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete VA examination reports and the need to address knee instability in both knees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right wrist disorders, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. Additional examinations are needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent them from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to February 5, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was withdrawn. The claim for hypertension was denied as the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. Service connection for diabetes mellitus was granted due to new and material evidence received since the July 2008 rating decision. Chronic constipation is service-connected secondary to hypertension. The claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, fibromyalgia, and MUCMI were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was reopened, and he is now granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee. His left knee disabilities are also rated as per his claims.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal on the issues of service connection for left elbow osteoarthritis, right ankle disorder, and sinusitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee disability due to incomplete development and unclear findings regarding atrophy.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating of 70 percent effective June 26, 2019.,Service connection for hypertension is denied. The Veteran's new and material evidence has reopened the claim, but service connection remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions. The claims will be returned to the AOJ for further development.