Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and determining if the left knee osteoarthritis is related to a service-connected wound from active duty.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee strain, low back pain, and bilateral shoulder disability (claimed as degenerative arthritis), but remanded the claim for tinnitus due to outstanding records. The decision grants service connection for bilateral knee strain.

The Board has found that new evidence has been added to the record and must be considered, including VA examinations for PTSD and VA treatment records. The claim is being remanded so that the AOJ may consider this new evidence prior to a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left elbow disability was denied. The Veteran is currently in receipt of a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion and a non-compensable rating for impairment of pronation.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for vascular insufficiency with right leg amputation and right knee injury due to conflicting statements regarding which leg was allegedly injured during service. The Veteran's service treatment records are illegible and/or unavailable, and a VA medical opinion is needed to address the claim.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted effective April 19, 2006.

The Board has ordered the RO to remand two cases: one for an increased rating of left knee disability and another for an increased rating of degenerative arthritis of the spine. The remands are due to inadequate examinations that did not address all relevant symptoms, including flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee condition and lumbar degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, both claimed as secondary to service-connected left knee patellofemoral syndrome. The VA examiners were directed to provide opinions on whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by the service-connected left knee condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's right knee disability, specifically regarding instability. The Veteran is also pending a decision on his claim for increased rating for his right hip arthroplasty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee arthritis, right knee instability, and athlete's foot due to new evidence indicating worsening of his disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right foot disorders, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for a left knee disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and he is also found to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted the TDIU claim and remanded for a VA examination regarding SMC.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied, as the current disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's sinus disability, diagnosed as allergic rhinitis, is granted service connection due to presumed exposure during his Gulf War service. Service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right shoulder disability are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and compensation under 38 U.S.C. §1151 for a neck disability, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the onset of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, Charcot Marie Tooth disease of the right foot, and degenerative arthritis of the right foot has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent for the entirety of the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that his current cervical spine disorders are proximately due to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to open medical questions regarding etiology. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including any additional relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been granted an initial rating of 20 percent, effective March 25, 2022. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded.