Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for left knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis, and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine (claimed as a back condition). The VA must obtain additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected right 5th finger fracture with degenerative arthritis, including his complaints of burning sensation, pain, loss of strength (grip), deformity (to include scarring), and nerve damage.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability due to new and material evidence received since the November 2002 rating decision. However, the claim is remanded as further development is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current low back disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that his motion is not sufficiently restricted to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of her service-connected osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, as well as GERD, are remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability has been granted a 50% rating, but no higher. The Board found that her headaches are characterized by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring more than once per month and significantly impacting employment. Service connection for right ear hearing loss, fibromyalgia, and uterine fibroids is remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's cervical strain with stenosis and degenerative arthritis is related to his service-connected right shoulder condition, but needs further clarification due to a lack of adequate rationale in the previous medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for her right hip and thigh disability, including a total right hip replacement, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to her in-service reports of right hip pain.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, valvular heart disease, cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as upper extremity radiculopathies are being remanded due to the need for new examinations. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion to reconcile conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, and headaches. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for cervical osteoarthritis with stenosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities due to incomplete examination findings and new evidence not yet reviewed by the AOJ.

The reduction in rating for the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis was improper, and her rating has been restored to 30 percent effective December 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of a right ankle injury, traumatic arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and total left knee replacement have been denied. The maximum schedular rating has already been awarded for each condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and for entitlement to a TDIU prior to November 13, 2018 due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and evidence. Specifically, he needs VA examinations for his hemorrhoids and psychiatric disorders, as well as attempts at corroborating his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence related to service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and degenerative arthritis.