Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has found that the current medical evidence is insufficient to determine whether the Veteran's left hip condition is related to his service-connected left knee disorder or if it was caused by in-service activities. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including residuals of meniscectomy and instability, is rated at 10 percent. The limitation of flexion remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his left knee and left upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding a potential theory of service connection based on posttraumatic arthritis.

The Veteran's right and left knee conditions are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's low back condition is also granted as service connected.

The Veteran's depression is granted as secondary to her service-connected disabilities, and a rating of 30 percent for her neck disability from August 1, 2013 to July 19, 2019 is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current right knee joint osteoarthritis had its onset during active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of his service-connected spine disability prior to September 5, 2018. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's death was not caused by VA treatment or care, and the service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death. The appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1310 is remanded due to unclear causes of death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions are remanded due to the need for additional VA examination records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent prior to May 18, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spondylosis with bilateral radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent for painful limitation of flexion and a separate 10 percent rating for painful limitation of extension since March 17, 2017. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on instability or other service connection theories.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and Adjustment Disorder) is granted as related to his service. His degenerative arthritis of the spine is also granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective October 29, 2018.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination for his lumbar spine disability, which may also provide information relevant to the radiculopathy issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations by orthopedic spine surgeons and a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected. The issues of right knee and right wrist disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his right heel disability was denied, while he was granted TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, insomnia secondary to PTSD, TBI, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine require additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.