Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to December 1, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities not preventing him from engaging in sedentary employment.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right shoulder and knee conditions has been REMANDED due to the need for additional examinations. The issues of rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder osteoarthritis, recurrent dislocation, right knee chondromalacia patella, and left knee chondromalacia patella are still pending.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's employment history and the need for clarification through a completed TDIU application form. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for TDIU, increased ratings for back disability, hypertension, and radiculopathy have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of his appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and remanded the remaining claims based on exposure to ionizing radiation. The Veteran's claims will be returned to the AOJ with the Under Secretary for Health's report.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of thoroughness in explaining the rationale behind relying on the May 2018 and May 2019 VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial ratings for various knee, hip, and spine disabilities have been dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for new and material evidence. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining additional medical opinions and potentially locating outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and low back disability due to inadequate medical opinions. Additional evidence is needed from VA treatment records, and addendum medical opinions are required regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to additional VA treatment records being added to the Veteran's file.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left hip condition, which may be related to service or secondary to his service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for flat feet, degenerative arthritis of the feet, hypertension, high cholesterol, tinnitus, and urinary problems have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, and schizophrenia related to his low back disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's right and left hip disabilities, including osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis with a hip replacement, are granted as service-connected effective July 19, 2018.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated based on partial replacement and limited extension. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain another VA examination in order to appropriately rate the Veteran's right knee disability under the Diagnostic Codes.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for headaches and bilateral hearing loss as they have been granted by a separate rating decision.,The Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis are now service-connected, but the issue of bilateral ear disability (otitis media) is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The effective date of service connection for cervical strain is denied as it does not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues, specifically the use of an improper form for filing a notice of disagreement. The AOJ will issue a statement of the case (SOC) addressing his claims for service connection for mental health disorder other than insomnia disorder, initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and initial compensable evaluation for ingrown toenail.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right hand and right knee disabilities due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's current disabilities are being evaluated again with additional examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's neck disability prior to March 29, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent due to limited range of motion and no ankylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left hip disabilities, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, both related to the Veteran's military service.,Both issues were remanded due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives regarding additional examinations.