Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, as well as for vocal cord paralysis post anterior cervical fusion, both conditions being found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claims for lower back condition, respiratory/sinus condition, and bilateral shoulder conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a new theory of entitlement raised by the Veteran, contending that his sleep apnea is proximately due to obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities. The VA failed to receive any examinations or opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and failed to determine whether any of these conditions led to the Veteran's obesity which caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the veteran's service-connected conditions, including those for right knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease with lumbar spine issues, left hip strain, and pelvis fracture. The appeal was also dismissed regarding TBI-related headaches and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board denied increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, finding that the Veteran's conditions are currently rated at 10% based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records from Landstuhl Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the need to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) and provide the Veteran with an opportunity to perfect his appeal.

The Veteran's right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not warranted based on his symptoms and examination findings.,For left knee osteoarthritis, the current 10 percent rating is maintained as there is no evidence of more severe impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for residuals of a cervical spine disability and right knee disability to obtain additional development, including verification of service dates and addendum opinions from VA examiners. The issues are currently pending further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage standards for a TDIU, and his claim is referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration. The pension claim remains pending as there are no issues related to service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of his cervical spine disability and degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence showing a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology thereafter. The VA medical opinion provided by an expert clinician supported this conclusion.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for further development and evaluation of her genitourinary symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disorders are related to an injury sustained during service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder, bilateral hallux valgus (bunions), painful surgical scars on the feet, pes planus, hammer toes of the feet, and thoracolumbar strain and scoliosis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder with panic disorder and alcohol use disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 1, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, but remanded the right knee disability claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and adequate evidence being required, including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability is not related to his active service, and his coronary artery disease status post CABG surgery does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. The claims are being remanded for further development.