Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the claim of service connection for left hip osteoarthritis, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between the condition and service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have been rated, but further examination is needed to determine appropriate disability ratings.,The Veteran's low back disability requires additional evaluation due to recent remand.

The Board has found sufficient lay and medical evidence to suggest that the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities may have prevented him from being capable of obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation post-separation. The issue is remanded for referral to the Director of the Compensation Service for adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and spondylolisthesis with degenerative arthritis of the spine have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantial and gainful employment since November 25, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 25, 2013, but the issue is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service connected right and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of recent VA treatment records and a need for a more thorough examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis in multiple joints, including as due to a service-connected total abdominal hysterectomy, finding that her current condition is not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition was not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right leg disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis, a lumbar spine disorder, an eye disorder, vertigo, and restless leg syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hip conditions, as well as his claim for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis. The decision found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to issues related to increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and associated right lower extremity radiculopathies, as well as TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and evidence are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of various disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim to reopen the previously denied pes planus was granted. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for pes planus. However, the claims for left ankle condition, degenerative arthritis of the left hip secondary to right ankle fracture, and right knee condition with degenerative joint disease are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for several service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy, high cholesterol, and degenerative arthritis, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions were not found to warrant increased ratings or service connection. His PTSD remains at 30 percent, and he does not have a current diagnosis of sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is reopened. The claims for osteoarthritis of the shoulders, hands, and back are denied. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is also denied.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his cervical spine disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on her right knee and PTSD disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to her in-service motor vehicle accident, and for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine DJD. The claims are being returned to VA for further examination and opinion.