Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome with patella femoral tendonitis due to the need for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left hip degenerative arthritis and decreased extension were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the periods on appeal.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there are no remaining cases or controversies on appeal regarding earlier effective dates for service connection and a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine as there is no evidence that it was incurred during or due to active duty, and the symptoms were not chronic in service.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10% rating for his residual surgical scar from February 13, 2009 to December 14, 2014. The Veteran’s left shoulder disability has been rated as noncompensable prior to October 3, 2013, and at 20% thereafter.,The Board found that the Veteran's residual surgical scar did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7804, but granted him an initial 10% rating from February 13, 2009 to December 14, 2014. The left shoulder disability was rated as noncompensable prior to October 3, 2013 and at 20% thereafter.

The Veteran's low back condition has been rated at 20 percent for the entire appeal period, and his right femur fracture with degenerative arthritis has been rated at 60 percent for the entire appeal period.,Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at a level that does not reflect its severity.

The Veteran's bilateral hand disorders, including osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, and peripheral neuropathy, are being remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they are aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of VA examinations and records. The Veteran's disabilities are related to service, but more evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine. The examiner is requested to address the continuity of symptoms, lay statements, and provide a rationale for their opinion.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea and right knee osteoarthritis as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability are both granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) based on being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance, finding that the evidence did not show a need for such benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and meniscus tear and degenerative arthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 40% rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis from December 23, 2010. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the evidence showing he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for partial right shoulder rotator cuff tear with mild osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's range of motion is restricted to below shoulder level due to pain and flare-ups.