Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, specifically addressing secondary and aggravation theories. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are believed to be contributing factors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the knees clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service. The examiner is asked to provide a clear opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand due to evidence of worsening since the last VA examination. The case must be returned for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and left hip disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to reported worsening symptoms. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by the increased rating claims.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as the previous VA examinations are incomplete and do not fully satisfy the requirements of Correia and Sharp.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, but the claims for TMJ syndrome, residuals of facial surgeries, right upper extremity neuropathy, and left upper extremity neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for osteochondral lesions of her knees and lumbar spine, as well as her breast cancer status post radical mastectomy. The claims are being remanded due to a lack of service personnel records regarding her Army National Guard service from 2008 onwards and outstanding private treatment records from Drs. William Gamel and Catherine Parker. Additionally, the Board requested an examination for the Veteran's breast cancer claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's left and right knee osteoarthritis, thoracolumbar spine DJD and strain, and cervical spine DJD have been granted service connection. The initial rating for CFS has also been increased to 60 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the increased rating claims for further evidentiary development, including obtaining VA and private medical records. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of his sleep disorder, left knee disorder, left foot disorder, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is at least as likely as not related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TBI and right ankle degenerative arthritis have been granted service connection. The Board has found the evidence to be in approximate balance as to whether his cervical spine condition, anxiety, bilateral hearing loss, and left ankle arthritis are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his combat injury during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for a right wrist condition, finding that the Veteran's current right wrist disability and degenerative changes are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain new VA examinations for his back, femur, and knee disabilities due to the inconsistency in the previous examination findings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her left knee disability and for a TDIU due to the need for additional development of medical records and opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for psychiatric disorders, cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, sciatic nerve disorder, right knee disorder, and hepatitis C have all been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbosacral strain, cervical spine disability with degenerative disc disease, and bone spur removal from the left foot, are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent worsening of symptoms.