Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her unable to work for the period from September 24, 2009 through January 10, 2010. The VA has ordered additional examinations and remanded several issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including subpatellar chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent for the entire period on appeal. The rating includes a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is secondary to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease. Additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion, is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating for his service-connected left ankle degenerative arthritis, service connection for fibromyalgia (claimed as chronic pain syndrome), and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are rated based on their current functional limitations, with the highest rating of 30% granted for left knee degenerative joint disease and limitation of extension. The other issues have been denied or not addressed as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee degenerative arthritis and total disability due to individual unemployability, as they were not substantially complied with the previous remand directives.

The Veteran's unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities has been recognized, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s)(1).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder osteoarthritis, left shoulder condition, left knee condition, and low back condition. The decision also requires obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the right knee and bilateral hearing loss, prevented him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation effective November 3, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and left knee degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination reports, particularly regarding whether the diagnoses are consistent with service-connected conditions and if there is ankylosis or functional ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI, a back disorder, a right knee disorder, degenerative osteoarthritis of the left knee, PFB, and bilateral foot skin disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from August 13, 2018. The Board denied a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to comply with prior remand directives. The case is now pending for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee and lumbar spine conditions, finding that they are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent for painful, noncompensable motion. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not show limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding service connection for a right shoulder disability. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and strain is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left shoulder condition.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are rated at 40 percent from December 7, 2018 to his death. The other conditions have been granted initial ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis originated during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates on multiple conditions, including right knee strain, constipation, and rhinitis. The claims are dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.