Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims in writing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issues.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, finding that his current back disability is related to his in-service complaints.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a current disability under VA regulations.,The Veteran's claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted as there is at least equipoise evidence that his symptoms began during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity have been denied. The Veteran was previously granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS effective October 8, 2021.

The claim for service connection for a low back disability, including right sacroiliac joint degenerative joint disease, has been reopened and granted. The claim for service connection for recurrent sleep disability, to include obstructive sleep apnea, is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for heart disorder, lung disorder (COPD), and left shoulder disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left foot condition is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected ankle and knee disabilities. The case will be sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, including limited flexion and extension, lateral instability, and arthroscopy residuals, has been granted a 60 percent rating since December 1, 2021.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of herbicide agent exposure.,The scar on the right hand does not warrant a compensable rating.,Higher or separate ratings for hip disabilities are denied.,Increased ratings for knee conditions are granted.,Right knee instability and meniscal tear of the right knee are also granted.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression/anxiety, a right knee condition, and initial increased disability ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS, and bilateral hearing loss are dismissed. The Veteran's claims for an initial increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity sciatic radulopathy and left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy are also dismissed.

The Veteran's right femur fracture residuals with leg length discrepancy and hip osteoarthritis are rated at 40 percent prior to February 13, 2020, for limitation of thigh flexion. The rating is denied after that date.

The Board denied increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and separate ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection for occipital neuralgia was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability due to lack of evidence showing chronicity in service or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right foot disability. The claim will be reviewed again with new evidence and a thorough examination.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with painful motion and limitation on flexion is granted at a 10 percent rating prior to November 2, 2021.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with stenosis and radiculopathy, right knee disability, and diabetes as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with stenosis and radiculopathy due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to address whether the Veteran's right knee disability and GERD are related to service, with consideration of his lay statements.

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition, right foot condition, and chronic headache condition. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions were related to his military service.,There was no clear link between any of the Veteran’s current diagnoses (facet arthritis, osteoarthritis, and migraines) and his service.