Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating. The combined impact of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, OSA, IHD, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to December 10, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected lumbar spine conditions, including left foot conditions. The Board has determined that these claims are remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the current severity of the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, including conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted with a 20% rating prior to August 11, 2020 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. A separate 20% rating is granted for painful scars associated with the right ankle and left knee as of August 11, 2020. The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is granted a 30% rating from March 1, 2018 to August 10, 2020 and denied for higher ratings thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for psoriasis and right knee degenerative arthritis have been granted. The claim for a scar of the left knee has not been substantiated.

The Veteran was not found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities other than the loss of use of bilateral lower extremities, which is why he did not meet the criteria for SMC(o).

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and adjustment disorder as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis have been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active service or any service-connected disability. The Board also remanded the issues of rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis with patella release of both knees.

The Veteran's leg length discrepancy and degenerative arthritis of the left hip are granted on a direct and secondary basis, respectively. The Board found that the leg length discrepancy was aggravated by an in-service injury, while the degenerative arthritis is linked to this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, and lumbar spine conditions, finding that these conditions are related to injuries incurred during combat in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right hand degenerative arthritis, and left hand degenerative arthritis. Service connection was granted for PTSD with an initial rating of 70% prior to June 30, 2021.,The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, left foot disability, esophageal disability, and intestinal disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder was granted. The claims for right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as lumbar spine disability, were denied.

The Veteran's right and left knee degenerative arthritis are granted as service connection is established based on continuity of symptoms since service.,Service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or its residuals, and cerebrovascular accident (CVA)/stroke or its residuals, is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disabilities prior to October 27, 2014 and July 21, 2014 were denied. For the period from December 1, 2015 to September 1, 2015, a 60 percent evaluation was granted for her right and left knee disabilities post total knee replacement.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from July 19, 2006 to November 26, 2007. The criteria for TDIU were met as the Veteran's service-connected conditions prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right wrist and has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his depressive disorder with adjustment disorder, bilateral knee conditions, and carpal tunnel syndromes, prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Veteran's right hip and knee disabilities, as well as his major depressive disorder prior to August 12, 2014, are granted with specific disability ratings.,A 20 percent rating is granted for limitation of abduction of the right hip, a 10 percent rating is granted for limitation of extension of the right hip, and a 40 percent rating is granted for limitation of flexion of the right hip prior to August 12, 2014.