Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his claims for higher ratings.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating greater than 20 percent.,The Veteran was granted a 20 percent initial rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve) and a 10 percent initial rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve).,The Board denied an increased rating greater than 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), finding that it more nearly approximated moderate paralysis.

The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU prior to October 26, 2016 due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to attempt to locate and retrieve medical records from her primary care provider.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current back disability and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and multiple radiculopathies, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since March 9, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that he does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right big toe condition, including osteoarthritis, is granted as the evidence shows he experienced symptoms related to his right great toe condition since his injury during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right knee osteoarthritis was aggravated by active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 10, 2018 for the grant of service connection for various conditions have been denied.,Effective dates cannot be established before the date of separation from active duty or the date entitlement arose if within one year.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, as well as SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's right knee disability is being evaluated further, including obtaining an MRI of her right knee.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added to the record.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of basal cell carcinoma and osteoarthritis bilateral hands due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with a focus on his exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, but denies these claims due to lack of a valid diagnosis of PTSD related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for right and left foot disabilities, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not related to his in-service injuries or exposure. The evidence did not support a presumption of service connection based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for seizures, increased initial ratings for bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and a TDIU for the period prior to April 20, 2016 due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee and right wrist degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's low back and cervical spine disabilities with radiculopathy are granted as they are related to service.,Tinnitus is also granted, attributed to noise exposure during active service.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity since service or any severe injuries during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. For right shoulder and knee disabilities, the evidence showed no significant impairment warranting an increase beyond the current ratings. Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal and foot disabilities.