Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his right foot and ankle disorders, heel spurs, broken toe residuals, and back disorder. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and procedural issues. A new secondary service connection opinion is needed based on accurate factual history, including consideration of all Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied, with an initial 10% rating granted from August 23, 2013 to October 6, 2021, and then increased to 40% effective October 6, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and missing private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and issues related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, including its rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and TDIU, finding that there was no causal relationship between his current back condition and service. The evidence did not show a compensable degree of DDD within one year of separation from service or continuous symptoms since service.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to lack of ankylosis or functional equivalent thereof.,The Veteran's left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if these ratings should be increased.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and effective dates for various disabilities, including right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee strain, anemia, gastrointestinal disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, TDIU, and dental treatment. The Veteran must submit a substantive appeal to perfect these claims.

The Board has found service connection for tinnitus and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

Service connection is granted for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral hip arthritis.,An initial compensable rating for limitation of motion of the right index finger was denied. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right thumb injury was denied. A separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, for residuals of inguinal hernia was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering lay statements regarding the Veteran's back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis prior to August 28, 2020 and for a separate compensable rating for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy prior to that date. The issues are related to the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disorder and a left hip disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is no credible evidence showing that the Veteran's current left foot or left hip disorders began during or are otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically left and right knee osteoarthritis with painful limitation of flexion and extension, as well as moderate instability, are granted at a 20% rating effective January 17, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, cervical radiculitis of the left and right upper extremities, and headaches. These conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-service injury.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand requests and has therefore remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and adjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot degenerative arthritis and plantar fasciitis, finding it at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service. Service connection was denied for heel spurs, osteophytes, and Reiter's syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, chronic headache, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions began during or were related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is being reviewed again for a rating determination.