Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, which is secondary to his service-connected low back strain, needs further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for left knee disability and TDIU prior to January 18, 2019 due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the presence of a meniscal tear in the left knee and lateral instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate examinations and requests for additional information.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for left knee arthroscopy with osteoarthritis is granted. The claim for tinea corporis of the buttocks remains denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The Court has vacated these decisions due to a lack of compliance with remand directives, specifically regarding testing for pain on both active and passive motion during weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing activities.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and remanded the issues of service connection for left hip condition, bilateral knee condition, osteoarthritis, and bilateral shoulder condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

A 100 percent rating for restrictive lung disease with old granulomatous disease and perihilar nodules is granted, effective July 31, 2015. The claim for a left foot disorder remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate examination reports and potential impact on SMC claim.

The Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis and limitations of abduction and extension were denied increased ratings.,Initial compensable ratings for right hip limitation of abduction and extension prior to July 3, 2019 were also denied.

The appeal for service connection for a left eye disorder is denied. Appeals for right foot, elbow, wrist, and knee disorders are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's flare-ups caused functional loss during the period from 2009 to 2017. The remaining issues on appeal are inextricably intertwined and must be developed together.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service, including an in-service injury while playing football.

The Board dismissed all claims for increased ratings and denied service connection for dental trauma. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a TDIU determination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for a new examination of the Veteran's spine condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right hip replacement, left hip strain, right knee, and left knee. The decision is based on equipoise evidence supporting a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for cardiovascular disability and osteoarthritis due to unclear diagnoses, lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, and insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's conditions are related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbosacral strain is remanded due to insufficient evidence from the previous VA examination.