Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for lumbar strain was denied as there is no evidence of any informal or formal claims to the VA for a back disability prior to July 19, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent disability rating for his service-connected back condition was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and peripheral nerve conditions, require the regular aid and attendance of another person due to their effects on his ability to perform daily functions.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including his low back condition, neck condition, and shoulder condition. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (low back disability) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The decision is based on a finding that there is at least an equal balance of evidence regarding whether these conditions had their onset in service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been granted. The Board found that the evidence is approximately balanced or nearly equal as to whether the Veteran's current GERD arose during his active service, and thus granted service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that his current condition is not secondary to or caused by his service-connected right knee meniscal tear. The Board also found no evidence of obesity being due to his service-connected knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee condition, finding that there is no evidence linking his current disability to his active duty service.

The Veteran's reduced disability ratings for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities were restored, effective December 1, 2018. The appeal is granted as the reduction was improper.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of the temporary total disability rating is remanded due to a failure to develop his claim for the period prior to September 26, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome with patella femoral tendonitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a more comprehensive VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and diabetes mellitus due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis may also be related to his left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, from August 1, 2018; prior to August 1, 2018; and for separate ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The remand is due to inadequate medical examinations used by the Board.

Your claim for service connection for meniscal tear and osteoarthritis of the right knee has been granted, so your appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder, characterized as lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, had its onset in service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right tibia fracture residuals, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and right lower extremity radiculopathy, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tear are related to his active service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right elbow and right wrist disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The claims for these disabilities have been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his conditions.