Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar disability, including increased pain and limited functional ability, developed as a result of VA failure to properly diagnose and treat his initial disorder. As such, compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for this condition are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate examination findings, and additional VA clinical records are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle, as well as rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral knees and shoulders. Service connection was denied for osteoarthritis of the left ankle and wrists.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a neck strain he suffered in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including whether it is related to his in-service boxing and football injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, increased ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, and increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.,Specifically, he is seeking service connection for various conditions including left shoulder impairment, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee impairment, right shoulder impairment, sinus condition, headaches, and a peripheral vestibular disorder.

The Veteran's low back disability is not service connected as secondary to his healed fracture of the left radius and ulna. However, he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to multiple disabilities including cervical spine and shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of both the left and right knees, finding that the Veteran's knee pain is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle degenerative joint disease, right hip replacement, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), painful surgical scar due to hip replacement, lumbar radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis is granted service connection. The issues regarding her left hip and left knee conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate previous examinations. The Veteran's hearing loss claim will require a new VA examination, while his right thumb fracture with degenerative arthritis claim requires a new VA hand examination that complies with Correia v. McDonald (2016).

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions, specifically regarding the VA examination conducted on January 2020. The Veteran is required to provide additional information through a completed VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition, residual scars from post-service surgery, and ear disorder. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his eye scars.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, left hip osteoarthritis with trochanteric pain syndrome (including bursitis), right knee osteoarthritis, left knee disorder including strain, meniscal tear, and osteoarthritis, and right and left lower extremity disorders manifested by leg pain due to incomplete medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination regarding his cervical spine disability. The issues include determining if he should receive an increased rating for his low back condition and whether his cervical spine disability is service-connected as secondary to his low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hand degenerative arthritis, diagnosed as multiple joint arthritis, was incurred in service and continues to this day. The claim for service connection is granted.