Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has ordered additional VA examinations to resolve discrepancies in the medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee disabilities. The claims for increased ratings and effective date are being remanded due to incomplete record development, including obtaining OPM disability retirement records.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited flexion to no more than 80 degrees with flare-ups, was found not to warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with mild scoliosis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with a prior remand directive and will require another examination to assess additional loss of range of motion from flare-ups and repeat use over time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee osteoarthritis and left eye disability due to inadequate development in previous examinations.

All claims for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn by the Veteran.,The Veteran's hepatitis A has not met the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for a rating in excess of 10% for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted. For painful abdominal scars, he received an initial 30% rating effective November 25, 2016, and his request for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's right shoulder and left shoulder disabilities, currently diagnosed as glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, are granted service connection.,The Veteran's right clavicle and left clavicle disabilities, currently diagnosed as acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis, are also granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip bursitis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative arthritis has been reopened due to new evidence provided. Service connection is now granted.

The Veteran's right thumb disability is granted an initial rating of 20 percent, effective from the date of decision. The March 12, 2021 surgery for right thumb arthrodesis and de Quervain's tenosynovitis release results in a temporary total rating. Service connection for back disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided were inadequate for adjudication and requires another examination to determine the current nature and severity of all manifestations of the service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy was not manifested by symptoms of greater than slight incomplete paralysis prior to June 28, 2021. From that date onwards, the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he met the criteria for a higher evaluation of 40 percent.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent prior to June 28, 2021. Beginning that date, his disability was manifested by forward flexion at worst of 55 degrees and with muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right ankle injury, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of right ankle injury, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injuries and is more likely due to a 2015 injury.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of right ankle injury, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service injuries and is more likely due to a 2015 injury.