Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of lay evidence and need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and low back disabilities due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of definitive evidence.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and granted it. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine disability were denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the right hip osteoarthritis secondary to knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral foot pain and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to inadequate medical opinions in prior examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are now pending.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, including post-traumatic osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, is currently rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.,VA has denied an increased rating for both conditions due to lack of evidence supporting a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional information is needed to accurately rate the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and bilateral subtalar degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's lumbar spine condition secondary to his service-connected foot disabilities remains in need of clarification.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis, meniscal tear, and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), is considered service-connected as it began during his active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with consideration of his assertions regarding different diagnoses, a protected rating, and sole VA error in creating the overpayment.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities, including right elbow, left hip, and right hip conditions, are granted as service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's request for a proper orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee conditions, transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals, gastrointestinal symptoms, voiding dysfunction, thalamic pain syndrome of the left side, and acquired psychiatric disorder as a stroke residual, have been denied.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent based on flexion limitation. The Veteran's transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals with difficulty chewing and swallowing are rated at 10 percent. Gastrointestinal symptoms with chronic constipation as a stroke residual have been rated noncompensable prior to April 21, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to require SMC based on need for aid and attendance. He is also not housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the hands is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not determined.

The Veteran was granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, presumptively due to service in Southwest Asia. However, the claim for cervical spine disorders was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.,Service connection was established for allergic rhinitis based on its presumed onset during service.

The Veteran's increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh with 5-inch muscular hernia and right knee involvement is denied. Separate ratings are granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage in the right knee and degenerative arthritis of the right hip.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his military service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability, but the VA examiners provided inconclusive or speculative opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee arthritis, respiratory condition (shortness of breath), bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent tinnitus.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's right knee disability as secondary to his left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for PTSD and a higher initial rating for asthma. The remaining issues of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disorder, left arm disorder, right leg numbness, left leg numbness, depressive disorder, lumbar myositis (lumbar spine disability), left knee disability, migraine headaches, chronic gastritis, and left foot degenerative arthritis are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee disorder, dizziness, migraines, and brain disorder due to additional development being necessary.