Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his military service. The Veteran contends that heavy lifting in service caused his current condition, but the VA examiner found no direct link based on lack of treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings have been withdrawn and are dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of his appeal as to all issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition requires further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a lack of compliance with VA examination requirements and to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for generalized osteoarthritis and numbness of the hands due to additional development being needed, including obtaining medical opinions regarding herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective April 8, 2022. The right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at a 10 percent rating.

Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, chondromalacia patella of the right knee, and degenerative arthritis of the right ankle.,Secondary service connection is also granted for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella of the left knee.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, erectile dysfunction (ED), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hyperthyroidism, a chronic disability manifested by diarrhea, neck condition, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, and right ankle osteoarthritis.,Service connection is remanded for left knee condition, bilateral hearing loss (BHL), diabetes, hypertension, kidney condition, residuals of a pilonidal sinus cyst, and bilateral foot condition.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, acquired psychiatric disability, migraines, and sinusitis. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Board has already granted favorable decisions on these issues.,The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and SMC remain pending, and further review is required.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of being a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18, citing insufficient evidence that she was incapable of self-support at her 18th birthday.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's reports regarding the Veteran's range of motion during flare-ups. The case is now pending for further development and an addendum opinion from the July 2020 VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis have been granted a 50% rating effective from February 26, 2022.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left great MTP joint as secondary to bilateral pes planus has also been granted.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability have been remanded for further evaluation due to the severity of her symptoms, which include pain, swelling, weakness, and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand instructions regarding the Veteran's left knee range of motion measurements.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lower back disorder has been dismissed as he requested the withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as they are not about service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for trapezius muscle spasms, thoracolumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's left knee surgery convalescence rating was denied as her symptoms did not necessitate extended convalescence beyond July 31, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches, lumbar strain, right thigh impairment (claimed as a right hip condition), degenerative arthritis of the right hip with limitation of flexion, and right leg length disparity, are being remanded for further examination to reassess their severity. Additionally, her claim for service connection for GERD and/or gastroenteritis is also being remanded.