Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee instability, which may be related to his service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the distal left femur or other conditions. The case will be remanded for further examination and review.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between his active duty service and his current condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inconsistencies between the frequency of prostrating attacks reported by the Veteran and those found by the examiner, as well as discrepancies in the range of motion findings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that his hearing loss began during service or was related to in-service noise exposure, and he failed to meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay accounts regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, is related to his active service. The claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is remanded as VA has not provided a VA examination addressing whether the current neck disability is related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, anxiety disorder, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees, and instability of the knees, have prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for lower back strain with pain, as the evidence did not establish a chronic disability in service or continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's current degenerative arthritis is not presumed due to his military service.,Service connection was also denied for asbestosis, as there is no diagnosis related to asbestos exposure during service and no current diagnosis of asbestosis.

The Board has remanded the cases for new medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's knee and hip disorders are aggravated by his service-connected back disorder or radiculopathy disorders.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II, but has remanded his claim for service connection of traumatic osteoarthritis of the right ankle.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears based on instability due to insufficient range of motion testing in weight-bearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine conditions and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current diagnosis and active duty service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right foot disability and left ankle disability due to incomplete development. The claim for low back disability remains denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused current degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for further examination and evaluation due to inconsistencies in the range of motion testing.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity have all been denied.,The Board found no current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for his left leg disorder, right leg disorder, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, migraines, and frequent urination. The Board also ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.