Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and a cervical spine disability, manifested by pain. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible reports of symptoms dating back to his military service.

The Veteran's disability rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bilateral heel spurs and degenerative arthritis was granted at a 50 percent evaluation from December 5, 2020 to March 28, 2022. The appeal is denied for higher ratings prior to this period.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding the VA's identification of the Veteran's dates of military service. The Veteran withdrew her appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU. The remaining issues have been remanded due to need for new examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability evaluation and temporary total rating due to lack of compliance with previous remands, need for additional medical records, and inadequate examination report. The Veteran is also required to undergo a new VA examination to assess his current lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee degenerative arthritis due to outstanding treatment records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability on a direct and presumptive basis, finding the evidence against a link to service. The secondary claim was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar degenerative arthritis and IVDS is denied. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right ear hearing loss, higher initial ratings for cervical osteoarthritis (neck disability) and left ear hearing loss, tuberculosis, and a 70 percent rating for PTSD have been withdrawn. A 100 percent rating has been granted for PTSD from January 24, 2017, and TDIU prior to that date has also been granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted a 10% rating, and his lumbar spine arthritis is granted a 40% rating. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted separate 10% ratings. These decisions are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations and TDIU prior to January 21, 2022 due to inadequate VA examinations in previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was reopened and granted. The appeal regarding severance of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, as well as the associated peripheral neuropathy claims were remanded due to conflicting medical evidence on whether the Veteran has diabetes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's left hip disability, including its severity and whether it experiences flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's low back disability is presumed incurred in service, but there are questions about its onset and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent right and left foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the January 2022 VA evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability to include degenerative arthritis, invertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported symptoms during active service and ongoing symptoms since then.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to new evidence obtained by VA. The issues on appeal are related to ratings for osteoarthritis of the right hip with various limitations.

The Veteran's claim for an initial 20 percent rating, but no higher, for left knee recurrent subluxation with osteoarthritis and instability is granted. The claim for a separate initial 20 percent rating, but no higher, for left knee disability with limitation of flexion is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration, including review of additional evidence submitted by the Veteran and his attorney. The issues include reconsideration of TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's right ankle disability claim is remanded as the RO failed to consider his request for rescheduling due to homelessness, resulting in a denial without proper consideration of this issue.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (polysubstance abuse disorder and depression) claim is remanded as new and material evidence was not considered, and an additional VA examination is needed.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability claim is remanded for a contemporaneous VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.,The Veteran's left knee limitation of flexion claim is remanded for a contemporaneous VA examination and determination of whether the effective date should be earlier than April 14, 2015.,The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis claim is remanded to determine if the severance of the separate rating was proper.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.