Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for additional special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's current atrial fibrillation disability is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. For the entire period on appeal, the evidence does not show limitation of right knee flexion below 40 degrees. The Veteran has been found to have moderate instability for the entire period on appeal and a separate evaluation of 20 percent for frequent locking episodes with pain and effusion is granted since July 20, 2018. A separate evaluation of 10 percent for right knee meniscectomy is also granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his cervical spine, left shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. However, the case has been remanded for further evaluation of additional issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee osteoarthritis and instability were denied. The rating before November 17, 2021 was denied as the flexion did not reach 30 degrees and extension did not reach 15 degrees.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but has remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to incomplete information about the Veteran's Reserve service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to evidence suggesting worsening since the last VA examination. A new VA examination is needed to determine the current level of severity.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic back condition during or immediately after service and concluding that the current disability is not related to any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is pending resolution.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's left foot conditions are caused by service-connected disabilities or if they are congenital defects with superimposed injuries. The VA examiner is needed to provide clarification and opinions on these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and right ankle disorder as a residual of a right fifth metatarsal fracture, both found to be related to service.,Both conditions were initially denied in March 2014 but reopened due to new evidence. The claims are now considered granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent each, and the Board finds no basis for higher ratings. The TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back disability) and right foot degenerative arthritis (right foot disability).,Service connection is denied for a lineal mid-forehead scar and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).

The Veteran's right hand disability, characterized by decreased grip strength and sensory loss, is rated at a 30 percent effective May 4, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for a new one.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings in several conditions, including left sided sciatica radiculopathy and sinusitis. The Veteran's lumbar spine scar and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted initial compensable ratings, while his spermatocele (status post vasectomy) and right ankle sprain with instability were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right knee disability and other musculoskeletal issues, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 19, 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back condition, right knee condition, and asthma are not service-connected.,Specifically, the Board found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his active-duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the etiology of his cervical spine disability, assess the severity of his lumbar spondylosis, right knee strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and TDIU. The issues on appeal include service connection for a cervical spine disability, increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis, right knee strain, and left knee degenerative joint disease, as well as TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee osteoarthritis is not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a connection between his in-service injury and his current condition.