Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial compensable disability ratings for left thumb degenerative arthritis and neuropathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for lumbosacral and thoracic strain with degenerative arthritis prior to August 10, 2017, and greater than 20 percent effective that date.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, left knee osteoarthritis with tears of the ACL and MCL ligaments, nondisplaced fracture of the medial tibial spine, and probable osteochondral injury in the lateral femoral condyle, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have all been granted service connection.,The Veteran's lumbar strain, left knee osteoarthritis with tears of the ACL and MCL ligaments, nondisplaced fracture of the medial tibial spine, and probable osteochondral injury in the lateral femoral condyle, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have all been granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between her current condition and her military service.

The appellant withdrew their appeals for various rating claims, including those related to peripheral neuropathy of the left foot, right clavicle fracture, right foot neuropathy and sciatica, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that his current sleep apnea is related to active duty service and grants the claim. For the other issues, the Board finds new examinations are needed as the Veteran contends an increase in disability level.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, osteoarthritis of both lower legs, testicular cancer, skin cancer, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all remanded. The Board acknowledges the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty service but finds insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable from February 5, 2018 to April 19, 2021.,From April 20, 2021 onwards, the issue of TDIU is moot as his combined disability rating is now at 100%.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient consideration of his lay statements regarding in-service injuries and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's back disability was aggravated by service. The Veteran seeks service connection for a back disability, and the VA examiner concluded that it is less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and grants a TDIU with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA opinions and insufficient evidence. The Veteran's reports of in-service injuries and post-service symptoms will be considered.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and osteoarthritis of bilateral knees as secondary to service-connected pes planus.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability, including as secondary to service-connected disabilities (including pes planus), is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates due to outstanding records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was rated at 10 percent from December 1, 2013, through January 10, 2016, and at 20 percent from January 11, 2016, to October 10, 2021. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis with IVDS was rated at 40 percent since October 11, 2021.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has remanded his claim for an increased rating. His RLE radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent since July 31, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder, but remanded the claims for service connection of other conditions including a right hand disorder, right foot disorder, right hip disorder, and low back disorder due to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to her service-connected left knee disability, including if it was aggravated by that condition.