Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to determine the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, considering the ameliorative effects of medication and any prior surgeries.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and IVDS was granted a 40 percent evaluation from May 12, 2009 to January 15, 2021. From January 15, 2021 on, an evaluation in excess of 40 percent is denied.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hip disability and undiagnosed illness manifested by bilateral elbow joint pain.,The skin condition remains under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine osteoarthritis do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining new examinations and providing adequate notice of requirements.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis but remanded the issues of pressure and sensitivity at the back/head and neck/shoulder pain.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20% from June 14, 2022. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left hip and knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of certain lay evidence and a need for an independent medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee strain and left knee degenerative arthritis due to additional development being required, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and an addendum medical opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, as well as for an assessment of left and right lower extremity sciatica.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left and right knee osteoarthritis as well as a meniscal condition due to new evidence indicating an active problem of tear of lateral cartilage or meniscus in both knees.

The Board denied service connection for ischemic cardiomyopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The right knee claim was reopened but remains pending further review.,The Veteran contends that his current degenerative arthritis in both knees is a result of overcompensating for his service-connected left knee disability and arthroplasty.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and insufficient reasoning in the previous decision. The Veteran's right knee disability is being reviewed again for proper service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of proper notification. The Veteran's claim for service connection is returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is inadequate for rating purposes and remands the case for another examination to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's right ankle disability, including a retrospective opinion as to its severity throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's right hand carpal tunnel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome were not found to be related to service. However, the Veteran was granted service connection for an other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder (likely PTSD) due to military sexual assault.,The Veteran's right knee joint osteoarthritis was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, with current diagnoses established.,For left foot metatarsalgia and osteoarthritis and left ankle osteoarthritis, the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these disabilities had their onset in service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with joint osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran did not have a disability at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability and radiculopathy are being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous Board directives. The Veteran must be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and examination, including missing VA treatment records and inadequate opinions regarding his neck, back, knee, and hypertension disabilities.