Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that his condition does not warrant an increased rating as it does not meet the criteria for extraschedular consideration or any other applicable diagnostic codes. For TDIU, the Veteran has met the schedular requirements from May 5, 2008.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder due to conflicting evidence regarding in-service events and symptoms.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for sciatic radiculopathy of both lower extremities and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, as the Veteran withdrew his appeals in a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for earlier effective dates of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome, is related to his in-service back pain and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for a low back disability, including osteoarthritis, finding that it was incurred in or caused by his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: service connection for a back disability and service connection for a disability affecting the left-hand fingers. The Veteran's preexisting low back condition is presumed sound upon entry, but there is uncertainty about whether it was aggravated by service. For the left-hand fingers, there are questions regarding which digits are affected and if any current conditions can be linked to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is granted, and an initial compensable rating for his right knee scar is granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the right knee prior to September 10, 2020, is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for a right ankle disorder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on instability and limited extension. The appeal for ratings in excess of the assigned ratings has been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's low back disorder, including whether scoliosis/rotoscoliosis is a congenital defect or disease, and the relationship between in-service complaints and current diagnoses.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are now rated at their maximum schedular ratings, with a 20% rating for the right ankle posttraumatic arthritis. The decision grants these ratings throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU are being remanded due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.,Service connection was also granted for a left hand disability but is being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to diabetes, and low back disability secondary to a service-connected neck disability.,The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims for these conditions.