Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, neck disorder, low back disorder, sleep apnea, alopecia, and headache disorder were not shown to be related to service. The appeals for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions were dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's low back disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to April 2, 2018 and then increased to 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been dismissed because he withdrew his appeal.

The claims for service connection for left index finger injury, bilateral ankle disorder, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied as the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in significant mobility limitations and the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has ordered a VA examination to assess his current severity and whether he is in need of such assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the pubic symphysis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of limitation of motion and no incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran’s left shoulder disorder, lower back disorder, left hip osteoarthritis, and right hip osteoarthritis are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's current back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine, is found to be incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability have been rated, but the increase rating claims for these conditions are denied. The initial rating claim for right knee instability is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional information regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right leg disability is denied. The Veteran's left knee injury has been granted a 10% rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions and new claims. The Board has determined that a DRO hearing is necessary for the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions provided by the VA examiners. The issues include bilateral shoulder disability, right hand joint pain, bilateral elbow and knee pain, cervical spine disability, renal cell carcinoma, neuropathy of lower extremities, osteoarthritis of left hand ring finger, hypertension, hiatal hernia with GERD, atopic dermatitis, migraine headaches, and bilateral condylar flattening indicative of degenerative joint disease of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The Veteran's claims for sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders, left knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability or service connection.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking the condition to active duty. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding a back disability claimed as osteoarthritis and/or degenerative joint disease, with an emphasis on lead exposure during service.

The reductions in ratings for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral wrists and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were improper due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran's conditions have not improved, warranting restoration of previous ratings.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for osteoarthritis right tarsal and residuals of hemorrhoidectomy are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of private treatment records.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar spine disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC).