Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability was denied, and his claim for TDIU from October 26, 2020 forward was also denied. The decision found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and there were no incapacitating episodes requiring bedrest.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU. The issues regarding cervical discectomy scar, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, cervical spine discectomy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, gout/left great toe degenerative arthritis, asthma, and skin disability were denied service connection as there was no evidence of a nexus to his military service.

The Board denied a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis from March 30, 2012 to December 10, 2017 on an extraschedular basis as the disability was adequately compensated by the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated right sciatic radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of increased severity since his last VA examination in March 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 14, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative osteoarthritis and service connection for bronchitis due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and need for a new VA examination. The issues include evaluations for lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and MDD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis originated during active service and grants this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain, low back condition (lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome), and chronic headaches.,Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement surgery, based on the presumption of chronicity due to continuous symptoms since service separation.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left wrist, status post fracture; service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus; and service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis. The Veteran will need new VA examinations for these issues.

Service connection for left knee osteoarthritis is granted. Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and unclear opinions regarding the Veteran's left shoulder disability. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a qualified physician.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding a left knee disability and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations were inadequate to adjudicate the issue on appeal and requires additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current low back disorders, which include degenerative arthritis of the spine, spinal stenosis, and spondylosis of the lower back.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to September 7, 2016 was denied as his service-connected left knee disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee conditions due to service connection, as they are secondary to service-connected hip and/or lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran's representative requested an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his bilateral knee conditions.