Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for further examination or evidence.,Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee strain, and left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's lumbar disability was granted a 40 percent evaluation prior to September 19, 2016 based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being 30 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lower back and right knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examinations, potential worsening of conditions, and need for additional medical opinions regarding psychiatric and sleep impairments.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disorder is granted. The Board also remanded several other claims, including those for increased ratings and service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine and chronic strain of the lumbar spine due to the need for contemporaneous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and hand disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his right knee disability, which was previously rated at 10 percent, has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

Service connection for PTSD is granted, and a separate compensable rating of 10 percent is denied for the left knee chondromalacia patella. A separate compensable disability rating of 10 percent is granted for instability associated with the service-connected left knee chondromalacia patella.,The Veteran's left knee disability remains rated at 10 percent, based on painful motion.

The Board denied service connection for ddd of the lumbosacral spine, osteoarthritis of the right knee, and osteoarthritis of the left knee due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip arthritis status post arthroplasty with history of SCFE and right knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement. The evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was withdrawn. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's right knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent from September 9, 2015, with a separate 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis with meniscal tear and bursitis. His left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 9, 2015. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a left wrist disorder other than carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability, cervical spine disorder, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings. Additionally, the Veteran has been granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is secondary to his service-connected left knee strain. The RO must provide copies of all relevant opinions and obtain a new physical examination.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for the rating of thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis, including the issue regarding the reduction in rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to render her unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and a rating in excess of 40 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, as well as the TDIU claim due to lack of relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, and right elbow disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification of certain aspects related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including its severity during flare-ups, instability, and whether a brace or assistive device is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and degenerative arthritis of the spine as there is no current medical evidence supporting these diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to January 25, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran was able to perform light physical or sedentary work and had a stable income before his unemployment.