Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates due to insufficient evidence in the record, particularly regarding visual field testing results and right hip disability examination.

The Veteran's right foot hammertoes are currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right great toe does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his low back strain, degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spondylosis, ankylosis, and stenosis.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions began during service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been withdrawn by the Veteran, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be related to an in-service head injury.,The current left shoulder and right shoulder disorders do not appear to be directly related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms within the presumptive period or post-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left hip and knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issues.

The Board has remanded the claim for a left foot/ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that it is related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and tendonitis and instability of the right ankle, finding that there is equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to active service.,Service connection was denied for right metatarsus primus varus as secondary to right hallux valgus due to a lack of continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right foot, right ankle, right knee, left knee, and right leg length discrepancy. The claims are based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injury resulting from his fractured right tibia and fibula.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted a 40% rating prior to January 5, 2017 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. The Veteran's cervical spine strain is denied for higher ratings.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for his spine condition was granted from January 4, 2006 to June 30, 2010.,However, the Veteran's increased disability rating claim remains pending and will be remanded to determine if he is entitled to an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage, flexion limited to 30 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, impairment of the tibia or fibula, or a compensable rating for right knee residual scars. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, headaches, OSA, and hypertension were not shown in service and are not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and duty to assist errors. The Veteran needs VA examinations for his right arm, back, neck, and left ankle disorders.