Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examination for his left knee disability and the need for additional development regarding TDIU.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development due to unclear range of motion measurements and lack of clarification regarding flare-ups, pain on extension, and medication use.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disabilities, including L5-S1 discectomy.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of frequent episodes of locking pain or effusion, and there was no limitation of motion in either flexion or extension warranting a greater than 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence indicating that her service-connected disabilities have worsened. The RO will obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the current severity of her left shoulder, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions obtained in April 2022 were inadequate and remanded for further development. The case is now returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including PFS and degenerative arthritis, is rated at 10 percent. Since July 5, 2022, a separate rating of 10 percent for limitation of flexion is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from Wake Forest Baptist Health and Dr. DB.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of right shoulder osteoarthritis and right upper extremity nerve disorder due to the Veteran's failure to report for examinations. The cases are being remanded for new examinations.

The Board denied service connection for pancreatitis and denied increased ratings for lumbar degenerative arthritis, but granted a TDIU. The Veteran's current back disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to February 4, 2021, and 40 percent thereafter, for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as her claim for TDIU due to issues related to neurological impairments associated with her back disability. The remand requires an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's urinary incontinence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee and right shoulder disabilities due to their inextricability with the claim for a back disability. The Veteran should undergo examinations to determine if her knee and shoulder conditions are related to her service-connected spine disability or other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and respiratory disabilities have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left ankle bimalleolar fracture residuals with degenerative osteoarthritis is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including left leg or knee disability, rectal bleeding, swollen hands and feet, rheumatoid arthritis, multi-site arthritis of the right shoulder, multi-site arthritis of the right hip, multi-site arthritis of the cervical spine (neck), multi-site arthritis of the lumbar spine (low back), right leg nerve damage, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, left kidney disability, gallbladder disability, sinusitis, headaches, appendix disability, discoloration and bacteria on the feet, erectile dysfunction, and eye disability or vision problems. The Board found no current disabilities for several conditions and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 40 percent effective May 13, 2021. The rating reflects significant limitation in forward flexion and pain during motion.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left foot disability is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The RO must obtain updated VA treatment records and seek adequate etiological opinions that respond fully to the Board's inquiries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities from January 21, 2014 through May 7, 2018 rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee and left knee disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not causally related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the right ankle is remanded due to inadequate examination reports and need for clarification.