Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left knee disability was improperly reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, and the rating is restored. The case is also remanded for a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is shown to result in abnormal thoracic kyphosis on MRI, which warrants a 20 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right hip, right knee, lumbar spine, and radiculopathy disabilities due to issues with the examinations provided by VA. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her right knee disability is being remanded due to insufficient information regarding the use of assistive devices and the need for prescriptions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to previous remand directives not being substantially complied with. The case is REMANDED for a new VA thoracolumbar spine examination and consideration of associated neurologic abnormalities, including urinary incontinence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current disability picture does not meet the criteria for these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with loose bodies and osteoarthritis are being remanded due to pending VA examinations that may impact the outcome of the claims.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection claims has been withdrawn due to the appellant's decision.

The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to service.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected left knee strain, right knee strain, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his lumbosacral spine disability was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was denied due to his failure to submit requested evidence and information. The Board also remanded several service connection claims, including gout, thoracolumbar spine disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle strain and lumbar arthritis, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to insufficient evidence, including for left hip condition secondary to bilateral knee chondromalacia, right hip condition secondary to bilateral knee chondromalacia, degenerative arthritis of the spine, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than unspecified depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability did not have its onset in service and is not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for psoriasis and left hip disability due to additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. A.M. and B. Hill Orthopedic Surgery Center.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his thoracolumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, have rendered him unemployable since October 15, 2019. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's right knee was granted a 20% evaluation prior to October 21, 2014, for degenerative arthritis with instability. The left knee received a 20% evaluation from July 23, 2019, for degenerative arthritis with a semilunar cartilage tear. Other claims were denied or granted under specific conditions.