Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the claims for left ankle condition and back disorder due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his service-connected injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability. The cervical spine and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of osteoarthritis, right knee due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship with the service-connected right knee instability.

The Board has remanded the claims for right foot hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis, left hip trochanteric pain syndrome, and right hip trochanteric pain syndrome due to inadequate opinions regarding direct service connection. The Veteran's current right foot disability is related to her in-service left foot complaints, but a new opinion is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the back, left shoulder, and bilateral lower extremities prevent him from working. The Board has referred his claim for TDIU to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration due to the worsening of his back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left leg disorders due to unresolved medical questions regarding their etiology. The case is being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection in writing, effectively dismissing the claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of motion and recurrent subluxation, is currently rated at 30 percent since December 13, 2021.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected avascular necrosis with degenerative arthritis of the left first metatarsal, finding that her symptoms and functional limitations have been severe throughout the appellate period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 30, 2008. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from September 30, 2008, to July 16, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's neck disability. The Veteran contends his current condition is related to service, including injuries sustained during basic training and a motorcycle accident.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further development of the Veteran's employment history.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 9, 2015, for the grant of service connection for adjustment disorder was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating in excess of 70 percent prior to August 8, 2016, for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a 100% disability rating beginning August 8, 2016, for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for left knee and shoulder disabilities due to deficiencies in VA examination reports, lack of consideration of certain medical records, and need for a new opinion regarding functional ankylosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee disorders did not have an onset during active service, within a year of service, or are otherwise attributable to any incident of service.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, as well as right knee. The decision also grants eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing one automobile or other conveyance with necessary adaptive equipment due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulting in permanent loss of use of at least one foot.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to substantially comply with a previous remand, requiring another VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral foot disorders due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives. The VA must obtain updated treatment records and provide supplemental opinions from an examiner.

The Veteran's right knee disability was granted a 60% rating effective August 1, 2020.,For the period prior to June 4, 2019, his right knee disability was rated at 10%. The low back disability has been rated at 40% since November 9, 2011.