Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection for a neurologic condition of the lower extremities, claimed as nerve spasms, is denied. The claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been granted but not higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service injury or any other factor.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability is remanded, as well as the claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance. The RO will provide an opportunity for additional examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability is granted. The Board also remanded several other issues related to her service-connected disabilities and secondary conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for left foot degenerative arthritis, right foot degenerative arthritis, and bilateral feet metatarsalgia with hallux valgus as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that there was no evidence of onset or continuity of symptoms in service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is currently rated as 10 percent prior to September 10, 2020 and 40 percent from that date. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's right knee conditions are currently rated as 10 percent each. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis with gout and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient clarification of the January 2019 VA examination and the need for another VA examination to assess the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and patellofemoral syndrome, has been granted service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), has also been granted.,Service connection for the right knee disability is established based on direct evidence of a current condition, continuity of symptoms since service, and in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right knee conditions are remanded due to the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the use of assistive devices.

The Veteran's mental disorder, claimed as PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder, was caused by service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition, finding that his current diagnosis of right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was not incurred in or related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, insomnia, tobacco abuse, and substance abuse have been denied. The Veteran also has had his initial ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left hip sprain with degenerative arthritis, residuals of left knee injury, status-post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medial meniscus repair with degenerative arthritis and scars, left knee instability, right knee sprain with degenerative joint disease, and residuals of left thumb injury denied.

The Veteran's back disability was granted a 40% evaluation from October 6, 2015 to November 5, 2018.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection and rating for his ankle, back, hip, and leg/knee disabilities. The case is being remanded to allow for additional examinations by an orthopedic specialist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to heavy lifting during his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The claims were remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the appeals for ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis due to inadequate examination reports.