Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis were not found to warrant a higher rating prior to April 2, 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to new evidence received that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for PTSD, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson's Disease, and Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine.

The Veteran's initial rating of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis is denied as his disability does not warrant a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion and other symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including earlier effective dates and increased ratings. The cause of death is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's bilateral hand rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis disability has worsened, leading to a remand for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions, including regarding SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2015 VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and evaluations to assess the severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease, surgical scars, left ankle disability, and left knee disorder. The issues are related to the evaluation and service connection aspects of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his right elbow, wrist, and shoulder disabilities. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for the right elbow disability, as well as service connection for the right wrist and shoulder disabilities, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his active duty service and the current condition, nor does it meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service as a paratrooper.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back, right knee, neck, and right hand disabilities. This includes considering whether these conditions were aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint and/or muscle problems, hypertension, duodenal ulcer disability, and left foot disability due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The hearing on his bilateral hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted as service-connected, with a combined rating of 60% effective March 30, 2017. The TDIU claim prior to January 24, 2011 is denied.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a 50 percent rating, but no higher. The ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and left lower extremity (LLE) sciatica are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 30 percent, and she is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that symptoms have been continuous since separation from service and consistent with his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for left inguinal hernia and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, PTSD, and TDIU due to incomplete development of evidence and need for additional medical opinions.