Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left elbow conditions, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and psychiatric conditions. The issues include seeking higher ratings for these conditions and determining if the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for her thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with scoliosis and bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis status post metatarsal joint replacement and metatarsal resection, as well as her claim for a TDIU. The RO is instructed to obtain updated medical records, conduct examinations if necessary, and complete the formal application for TDIU (VA Form 21-8940).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot disability due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including post-surgery instability and osteoarthritis, has not met the criteria for a higher rating since October 14, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI, shoulder impingement syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the left ankle, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions and awarded effective dates of July 31, 2014. The decision is based on newly associated STRs that were not previously considered.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed.,New evidence received since the October 2013 rating decision has reopened claims for service connection, but not all of these claims have been granted.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS with central annular tear was granted a 40 percent rating from June 6, 2014 through February 21, 2022. The right knee disabilities were denied.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a combined rating of 100 percent prior to November 13, 2017. However, the Board finds that his single disability rated at 100 percent does not render him unemployable due to these conditions alone.

The Veteran's right leg length discrepancy and right hip osteoarthritis, status post arthroplasty are not service-connected as they are secondary to his service-connected right knee internal derangement.,VA previously denied these claims due to a lack of evidence linking the conditions to service. The Board has determined that additional development is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has ordered a VA examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disorder. The issues of right shoulder, left shoulder, right arm, left arm, right hip, and left hip degenerative arthritis are also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain and for right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to potential issues with the Veteran's death. The cases will be returned to the Board once it is confirmed whether the Veteran is deceased.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain private treatment records and for a VA examination regarding his right hand disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition, finding no link between his current condition and any in-service event.