Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for another VA examination and an opinion regarding functional limitations experienced by the Veteran as a result of his service-connected right shoulder strain with osteoarthritis between July 17, 2009, and January 30, 2014.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of left ankle osteoarthritis as secondary to his service-connected left foot fibromatosis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for updated medical evidence and an examination.

The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities are rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of functional loss or additional limitation.,A separate 10 percent rating is granted for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability based on painful motion.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent from November 18, 2005 through January 28, 2013 and from May 1, 2013. The rating is denied as the Veteran’s arm motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee replacement was rated at 30 percent from June 1, 2006. The rating is denied as the Veteran's left knee did not exhibit chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness.

The Board denied service connection for left and right hip osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between the Veteran's current hip conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests for effective dates prior to January 22, 2016 for service connection and increased ratings of his disabilities. The issues have been remanded due to a lack of VA treatment records from the relevant period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and temporary total evaluations need to be remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea, left and right ankle osteoarthritis, and bilateral plantar fasciitis with right foot pes planus were denied. The Veteran was granted a 30 percent disability rating for his bilateral plantar fasciitis with right foot pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected low back disability with degenerative arthritis has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his back disability was denied. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's work and educational history.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent from September 4, 2009 to June 6, 2013. The Board granted the specific rating and effective date requested by the Veteran.

The Veteran's neck and right knee disabilities have been granted service connection on a presumptive basis. The remaining claims, including those for respiratory disability, bilateral hand numbness, acid reflux disease, and right ankle strain, are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent from January 20, 2009 to January 28, 2014 and at 10 percent from April 1, 2014 to May 12, 2017. The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding these periods.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and depression, finding that there were insufficient reasons provided in the original decision. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.