Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee chondromalacia, and right knee chondromalacia. Additionally, a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the overlap with other issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an updated VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee osteoarthritis and left ankle disability. The claim for service connection of a left knee disability was remanded.,There is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the claimed conditions, and the current disabilities are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 5, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to limited flexion.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the right knee status-post ACL joint reconstruction, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by a parachuting injury in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the cervical spine disorder, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's left knee disability has rendered him unable to secure and follow gainful employment since August 20, 2021. His other service-connected conditions do not prevent him from working.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nerve condition of the left upper extremity was denied. The appeal is also remanded for further development regarding service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. For the entire appeal period, entitlement to a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder and a 20 percent rating for right knee instability are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the threshold schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to February 10, 2019. The Board found that his service-connected low back disability with radiculopathy made it difficult for him to maintain employment and be productive.

The Board has determined that the appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea is remanded, and all other issues on appeal are addressed. The Veteran's right knee disability remains rated as 10 percent disabling, with a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee with noncompensable limitation of motion due to pain and/or swelling from February 19, 2013. Temporary total evaluation beyond April 1, 2015 is denied, as is TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that his symptoms are contemplated by DCs 5003, 5260, and 5261.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation of additional foot conditions, including left foot degenerative arthritis, flat foot, plantar fasciitis, and acquired pes planovalgus. The Veteran's service-connected left calcaneus fracture with posttraumatic osteoarthritis is being evaluated.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings and TDIU, leaving only the temporary total rating based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence issue. The Board dismissed all issues due to withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that his current diagnoses did not manifest during service and were not otherwise etiologically related to his active service or to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional relevant VA medical records being added to the claims file after a previous SSOC. The Veteran was asked if he would like to waive initial review by the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) and requested remand for AOJ initial review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee ROM prior to August 16, 2019. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis (back) but has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disability, not including degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that it was incurred during active duty.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's service connection claims for various knee conditions and cervical spine issues due to his death.