Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with foraminal stenosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), both found to be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in the previous decision, specifically regarding the VA examination report and the Veteran's theory of estrogen deficiency related to her hysterectomy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran withdrew all his claims related to increased ratings for various osteoarthritis conditions and knee disabilities. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate range of motion testing in the previous VA examination. A new examination is required to assess the current severity and functional loss of the Veteran's cervical spine arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the conditions are related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's low back injury and associated radiculopathy have been rated at the maximum available rating of 40 percent, with no further increase possible.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine/degenerative arthritis of the spine is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was denied as the current evaluation of 10 percent is considered adequate.,The initial 10 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy from January 18, 2012 was granted. The Veteran’s actinic keratosis claim was also granted due to service connection being reopened on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a lack of recent VA examination for his knee disabilities and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not considering continuity of symptoms for a chronic disease. The Veteran's current left elbow arthritis is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The right hand disorder claim was also denied, with no service connection granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Other claims for service connection are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis from January 3, 2011 to June 5, 2019 is granted. The issue of a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his posttraumatic headaches, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations.

Service connection for a bilateral hand condition is denied.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tear (previously rated as patellofemoral syndrome) is denied.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tear (previously rated as patellofemoral syndrome) is denied.,Resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran’s favor, a separate rating of 20 percent for moderate left knee instability is granted.,Resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran’s favor, a separate rating of 20 percent for moderate right knee instability is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions have been withdrawn. The claims for right ankle disability, chronic kidney disability, and PTSD rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examination or evidence. The claim for chronic kidney disease has been reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU prior to April 3, 2015 are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directive.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and opinion regarding service connection claims, including those related to obesity, acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, anxiety disorder, nervousness), osteoarthritis, cataract, chronic kidney disease, heart condition, hypertension, and stomach disorder.

The Board denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not precluded from securing or following substantially gainful employment.