Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine prior to May 17, 2021 and from that date is denied as the evidence does not show forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or less or combined range of motion limited to 120 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis and rotator cuff tendonitis are a progression of his service-connected left trapezius strain. The case is being returned for another VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left ankle degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service injuries. The decision also denied service connection for a peripheral vestibular disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding her back disability and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right knee disorder, PTSD with depressive disorder and anxiety, and IBS has been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals. The case is REMANDED for further development regarding his TDIU claim.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and IBS.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of various disabilities, including cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis (back disability), right and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is needed for both service connection and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected as there is no credible evidence linking the current condition to service.,The Veteran's facial scars are not service-connected due to lack of a documented in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and femoral nerve radiculopathy were evaluated as 20 percent disabling from August 12, 2016, to March 18, 2019. The rating was denied due to the Veteran's inability to work in her previous employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition, including strain, tendonitis, and labral tear with degenerative arthritis, effective January 11, 2012, the day following the Veteran's separation from active duty.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to issues raised in a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). Specifically, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being evaluated for ankylosis or its functional equivalent. The peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication of the increased rating claims, including obtaining private medical records from the Veteran's physician and requesting a completed VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, right knee degenerative arthritis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 2014. Effective from March 30, 2016 (the date of claim for the underlying grant of service connection for major depressive disorder), he is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder is granted. The initial rating for low back disability prior to June 7, 2019 is granted at 20 percent. A higher than 40 percent rating for the low back disability since June 7, 2019 is denied. Initial ratings of 10 percent are granted for right sciatica and scar formation in the right cranium prior to June 6, 2019. The issue of service connection for joint pain is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple knee and ankle conditions, as well as hypertension, are being remanded to the RO for initial consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and bilateral diabetic retinopathy. The claims for type 2 diabetes mellitus and bilateral diabetic retinopathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection is denied for right knee osteoarthritis, ACL tear, and meniscal tear as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.,An effective date earlier than June 29, 2016 is not warranted for the grants of service connection for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.