Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for an examination. The issue of service connection for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to her satisfaction with the grant of benefits and request for withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right hip conditions, finding that he was already receiving the maximum schedular rating available under the applicable codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, for his lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the right wrist, status/post fusion, was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence provided by the Veteran during a hearing. The VA will obtain and review all relevant treatment records, conduct examinations, and determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is service-connected as it was shown to have been present in service and continued thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and restored the 10 percent rating for right knee osteoarthritis. The reduction in the evaluation of right knee osteoarthritis was found to be improper.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability on both direct and secondary bases. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between the current right knee osteoarthritis and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, a right knee disability, and a right hand degenerative arthritis with acquired metacarpal deformity due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that his flexion was limited to 40 degrees with pain and normal extension, which does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's right knee disability claims due to insufficient evidence and the need for updated examinations. Additionally, TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an addendum opinion addressing concerns raised in the Joint Motion for Remand (JMR). The Veteran's service connection claim is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left hands, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to her in-service injuries.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's disease, otitis media, and a peripheral vestibular disorder. The claims for thoracolumbar spine condition, cervical spine condition, and bilateral upper extremity nerve impairment were granted with reopening of the latter two.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination for the right knee disorder. A new examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right knee disorder is related to service, specifically whether it is aggravated by pre-existing conditions such as his right ankle and back disorders.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted a 20 percent evaluation prior to November 9, 2021. From November 9, 2021 onwards, the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the left hip is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for avascular necrosis (AVN) of the left hip due to a lack of probative value in previous opinions and need for additional opinion.