Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions were incurred in service.,Service connection was also granted for tension headaches. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is reopened, and he is granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,Service connection is also granted for persistent depressive disorder. The compensable disability rating for otitis externa with excess cerumen production is remanded due to lack of recent VA examination records. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. Additional development is needed, including obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination, and providing him with a formal TDIU Application form.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection.,The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been remanded for further examination to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, right and left knee disabilities, right and left shoulder disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), migraine disability, abscess in genital area, and right hip condition due to potential issues with medical evidence not being reviewed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's PTSD, right knee instability, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's knee and spine disabilities, as well as his ankle disabilities. The main reasons for remand include obtaining additional VA treatment records and conducting a new examination to determine if the Veteran’s bilateral ankle disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine and/or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating more than 40 percent for low back disorder is denied, and his claim for TDIU remains denied as he does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disability, including DJD. The examiner is asked to provide an updated opinion on whether the current right shoulder disability is related to service or developed within one year of separation.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not incurred or caused by his military service.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent for the entire initial rating period from July 1, 2005.

An evaluation greater than 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,An evaluation greater than 20 percent for a left ankle injury, status post-surgical reconstruction, is denied.,TDIU prior to October 30, 2014, is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, osteoarthritis lumbar spine with scoliosis, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and a TDIU. The case is remanded to consider additional evidence received since the last rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to his right knee and thumb disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and bilateral foot disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.