Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right and left shoulder degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle disabilities are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her active service and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues, including whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions. The TDIU claim is also being reconsidered.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was aggravated by his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, resulting in a grant of service connection.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied as there is no evidence linking it to active duty service.,Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is not service connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service or being caused by a service-connected disability. Service connection was granted based on aggravation by his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.,The cause of death, hepatocellular carcinoma resulting from hepatitis C, is recognized as service-connected.,An increased rating greater than 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted due to its severity and impact on employment.,TDIU is granted based on the Veteran's inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's disability rating for IVDS with degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, based on improvement in her range of motion. The Board found that this reduction was appropriate.

The Veteran's disability ratings for left and right knee disabilities were reduced from 30% to 20%, but the appeals for restoration of these ratings are denied.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5055.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes during the appeal period.,Prior to February 9, 2019, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was rated at 10 percent. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited forward flexion and no evidence of ankylosis.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's left shoulder disorder is related to service and whether it is secondary to his service-connected essential tremor of the left hand. The case is being remanded for these determinations.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral shin splints, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied due to lack of current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than December 16, 2015, for the grant of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also denied as there is no evidence that he filed such claims prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions did not manifest in or are otherwise attributable to service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation for his lumbar spine condition and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to his request to withdraw all of his appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his left index finger disability and service connection for his left wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his service-connected left index finger disability.

The Board denied a rating greater than 10 percent for chondromalacia patella and osteoarthritis of the left knee with limitation of flexion, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase in disability.