Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to April 12, 2017. The remaining issues related to bladder or bowel disorder and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and GERD due to inadequate nexus opinions. Additional evidence, including hyperlinked articles submitted by the Veteran's representative, must be considered. An addendum opinion or examination is needed from a different examiner who can address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% from April 20, 2013.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected low-back disability since April 20, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is related to his active military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent from June 21, 2017.,Right knee instability is granted at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and need for clarification of the Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left hand condition, including severe osteoarthropathy, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right-hand disability and granted an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for myoglobinuria with rhabdomyolysis. The right hand condition is not related to his active-duty service, while the myoglobinuria with rhabdomyolysis has been symptomatic.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and musculoskeletal conditions, have precluded her from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the entirety of the appeal period. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted. His obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric conditions. Right knee degenerative arthritis, right knee strain, and right knee meniscal tear are all granted. Left knee degenerative arthritis and left knee strain are granted. Low back disabilities are granted. The Veteran's lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. His bilateral plantar fasciitis rating from December 3, 2019, is increased to 50%.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, lymphoma, and skin cancer.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's back condition and associated radiculopathy in both lower extremities are granted a 20% rating, effective from April 16, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder was granted, with the disability being found to be related to service. The decision also reopened the claim due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, but no greater. Service connection for pelvic dysfunction is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia ligament strain with osteoarthritis are currently rated at 10% each, effective November 20, 2011.,Service connection for a right leg disorder and a left leg disorder secondary to the Veteran's knee disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent prior to January 27, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on Diagnostic Code 5262 criteria for malunion of the tibia and fibula with marked knee or ankle disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypothyroidism is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents in Thailand. The claim for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is remanded as there are insufficient opinions regarding its onset during service.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating exceeding 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin cancer and residuals thereof, as well as his claim for service connection for a back disability, are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected PTSD, as well as for evaluations of his left and right hip disorders and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.