Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and associated total hip replacement residuals, as well as left hip osteoarthritis and associated total hip replacement residuals. The decision is based on the Veteran's active duty service and his reported complaints of hip problems during boot camp.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with presumptive service connection based on a continuity of symptomatology since separation from active duty.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss claims due to inconsistencies with previous examinations. The Veteran also needs updated VA treatment records, an audiological examination, and a knee disability examination.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, effective June 13, 2022. This rating reflects the severity of her condition as determined by VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to November 20, 2014 was denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria and there is no evidence of unemployability due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thalassemia/chronic microcytic anemia and shoulder conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his fatigue and shortness of breath.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected left ankle and bilateral knee disabilities. The initial evaluations for the left shoulder, left and right knees are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of right ear hearing loss prior to April 1, 2022, and denied his claim for service connection for radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, right lower extremity. His claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS were also denied.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of those issues prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to incomplete examinations and other issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chorioretinitis has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the mid-back remains pending as it was remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in him being unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his physical limitations are already compensated for by the schedular ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his symptoms during flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, compensable ratings for Right Ring Finger Surgical Scar and Right Finger Disability, and a rating greater than 10 percent for Back Disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has not fully addressed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his knee disabilities, as remand is required for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for kidney disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and left knee strain with gout due to potential issues with the medical opinions provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and TDIU prior to November 7, 2014 due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10% for each knee, and a separate rating of 20% for right knee instability effective December 1, 2021.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not return the required VA Form 21-8940 and there is no credible evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee meniscus tear with degenerative arthritis from February 21, 2017 was denied. A separate 10 percent rating for instability was granted effective February 13, 2020.