Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, but has remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied, but he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted service connection. The left lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a rating of 20 percent, effective from June 10, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to April 27, 2022 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for right-knee osteoarthritis was denied. The VA assigned a 20% rating effective from April 27, 2022.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a failure to comply with previous directives from the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (Court). Specifically, the Veteran's employment records need to be obtained and provided by OPM.

The Board has granted a TDIU from April 16, 2012. However, the case is remanded for consideration of whether a TDIU was warranted prior to that date on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of forward flexion or ankylosis.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's current diagnosis of chondromalacia patella and its relation to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his left knee degenerative arthritis, which he claims is related to in-service chondromalacia patella.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and deficiencies in the medical opinions provided.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left ankle disabilities are being remanded for additional development.,Service connection is being remanded for acid reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, ED, and hypertension as secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee and hip replacements, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 28, 2015.

The Board has remanded several claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date due to deficiencies in the VA examinations and missing medical records. The Veteran's left knee disability, lumbar spine apophysis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral pes planus with hind foot valgus, bunion formation, and degenerative arthritis are all subject to further review.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was remanded due to issues with the Board's analysis of his educational history and work capacity. The case is now being returned for further consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there was no credible evidence linking his current condition to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected right knee, left knee, and cervical spine disabilities require additional development due to new evidence received since the April 2021 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot calcaneal navicular bar is found to be related to his low back and right hip disorders, leading to the grants of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis and left ear hearing loss due to inadequate development in previous examinations.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disability. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his right hip disability claim has been granted. His GERD rating remains at 10%. The Board finds the case remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, increased ratings, and other issues.