Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, bilateral lichen simplex and chronic dermatitis, left hip osteoarthritis, left thigh limitation of extension, and left thigh limitation of flexion due to unclear functional loss associated with the service-connected conditions and the need for further VA evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back disability and RLE disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's cervical spine surgery is not service connected. The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and rating considerations due to the Veteran's assertions of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, which the Board has granted TDIU. The issues of SMC based on housebound criteria or aid and attendance are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back syndrome with degenerative osteoarthritis due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis status post total arthroplasty is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine was denied, while his claim for lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy associated with these conditions was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss prior to September 14, 2020, was dismissed. The Board also remanded the remaining issues related to his spine and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. A temporary 100 percent rating for convalescence following surgery on his service-connected low back disability is also granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have current hearing loss of either ear, according to VA standards. The claims for increased evaluations for service-connected right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are remanded as the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination to document the current severity of his service-connected disabilities. The claim for service connection for a bilateral knee strain is also remanded as the Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury is denied. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from October 21, 2004 to May 5, 2016.

The Veteran's headache disability and low back disability have been granted service connection, effective June 19, 2009.,A higher rating for major depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's neck strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, hip strains, TBI residuals, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have been continuous since separation from service and are at least in equipoise with a link to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to outstanding SSA records that may contain relevant evidence. The earlier effective date claim is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

PTSD was granted with a 70% rating prior to March 15, 2017 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. Left knee degenerative arthritis received a 20% rating from December 14, 2013.,Left knee instability received a separate 10% rating since December 14, 2013. The Veteran was granted TDIU prior to May 2, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a respiratory condition (rhinitis and sinusitis) are granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right shoulder impingement syndrome, chronic left and right wrist sprains, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and lumbosacral strain due to inadequate examinations in November 2016. The Veteran is required to undergo updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of his disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis, finding that her service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.