Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating for his service-connected back disability. The TDIU claim was also denied as of December 6, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right thumb disability, and bilateral pes planus require additional examinations to determine their current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left shoulder disability and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The low back disability and associated radiculopathy are remanded for further examination to determine their severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol use disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, folliculitis of the shoulders, back, hips and thighs, subluxation and chondromalacia of the left knee, bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, de Quervain's tenosynovitis of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes, and right and left shoulder strain have been withdrawn. The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, residuals of an injury to the left index finger, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, chronic tendonitis and patella dislocation of the right knee, right knee scar, deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and psychiatric disorder are being reviewed again as secondary to bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings for left elbow arthritis and PTSD due to conflicting findings in a previous VA examination report and unclear functional loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, blurred vision, itchy skin, headaches, nausea, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spinal stenosis due to inadequate examination and opinions. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's right thumb disability is being remanded for additional development, including a neurological examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation until his retirement in December 2018 due to health issues and 'life in general'.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with the highest ratings for her bilateral knee limitations of extension. The TDIU has also been granted effective October 4, 2021.

Effective March 29, 2013, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for right foot hammertoes and left foot hammertoes.,Effective January 7, 2013, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for painful scars of the right and left feet. The Veteran's service-connected surgical scars were denied in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right hip osteoarthritis and right knee strain were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to deficiencies in the examination report and lack of information regarding flare-ups. The Veteran's left ankle condition, including leg shortening and neurological residuals, will need to be evaluated again.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tear have been rated based on their respective conditions. The rating for the degenerative arthritis has been granted at a 30 percent level, while the instability of the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears has been granted at a 10 percent level.

The Veteran's increased ratings for right and left hip osteoarthritis have been denied as the evidence does not show that his symptoms warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated medical records and clarification of the Veteran's limitations during a flare-up.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss and a right shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is presumed to have current disabilities, but his service connection claims are denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with degenerative arthritis, thoracic and lumbar spine.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for lung disorder due to new evidence submitted. The low back condition claim is remanded as there are conflicting opinions and additional medical records need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. A retrospective opinion is needed to determine the severity of these conditions throughout the period on appeal.