Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease was granted in a rating decision issued by the AOJ in May 2021. The appeal is dismissed as this issue has been resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder disability, tinnitus, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 31, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding entitlement to TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities were dismissed. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and physical disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues for increased ratings, and the Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA medical records, conduct examinations, and consider the claims in light of new evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as bilateral ankle disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings or service connection based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis are rated at 40 percent effective September 1, 2016. The Veteran is granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee strain with osteoarthritis (limitation of flexion), limitation of extension, and instability due to incomplete medical records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for her right shoulder tendonitis, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing current functional loss. The effective date claims are also being remanded as they have not been considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC at the L level.

The Veteran's right-hand Dupuytren's contracture was granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected right ring and little fingers.,Service connection for left-hand osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, and peripheral neuropathy is remanded due to inadequate examination findings regarding aggravation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection of a neck disorder, gout, and skin rash need further development due to the need for additional medical opinions. The hypertension claim is also inextricably intertwined with the neck disorder claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fracture of the left fourth digit metacarpal and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted effective June 13, 2018.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with the January 2020 Remand directives and thus, another remand is warranted for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and records to determine the current severity of his left knee degenerative arthritis, as well as to address his claim for total disability due to individual unemployability. The issues are related and must be addressed together.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability to include degenerative arthritis due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral hip osteoarthritis and his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with current compression fractures T12 through L4.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be related to his military service, and thus granted.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown during service or post-service, and is denied.