Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left knee instability is granted a 10% rating prior to October 3, 2019. The right knee instability is granted a 10% rating from October 18, 2017.

The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities have been rated at 20 percent each, effective July 18, 2013. The Board has granted increased ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all listed conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and a compensable initial rating for service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The appellant's subjective symptoms, including loss of sensation in the left hand, were not adequately addressed by the December 2020 VA examination. The Board also found that an addendum opinion is necessary regarding whether the appellant's reported decreased sensation in his left hand is related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right arm conditions, shoulder to elbow are granted. However, the claims for left and right arm conditions, elbow to wrist are denied as they are not separate disabilities from his already service-connected bilateral elbow epicondylitis.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower leg radiculopathy have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left shoulder disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions due to new and material evidence having been submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's right knee meniscal and ACL tear, post-operative repair, is granted a disability rating of 20 percent. His right knee degenerative arthritis continues to be rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied.,Effective dates were granted for a 10% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) and left lower extremity (LLE), both effective January 28, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability, finding that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of his left foot disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for development due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and an incomplete examination report. The Veteran's service-connected back disability is being evaluated, and his TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with this issue.

The Veteran's hypertension, right knee osteoarthritis, and back condition are all being remanded for further development.,Specifically, the Board is requesting additional evidence to determine if there is a connection between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and treatment records. The Veteran's back disability, right knee disability, and eye condition are all being reviewed.