Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic arthritis, 1st MTPJ, osteoarthritis, first MTP, right ankle is granted. The RO remanded the case due to a need for additional development of private treatment records and for a new opinion.

The Veteran's low back disability, currently rated at 10 percent disabling from November 4, 2014, has been found to not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to limited range of motion and no associated neurological abnormalities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy alone rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, qualifying for TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran is entitled to SMC based on housebound status due to multiple separate disabilities rated at 60 percent or more.

The Veteran's back brace tends to wear and tear his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the year 2020.

The Veteran's request for higher-level review of his claims was timely filed. The AOJ must now review the underlying claims and provide a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding no evidence linking it to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected neck, back, upper radicular group, bilateral sciatic radiculopathy, and bilateral femoral radiculopathy disabilities have been dismissed.,Effective May 23, 2017, but not earlier, the Veteran was granted an effective date for service connection of radiculopathy, right femoral nerve. Effective May 23, 2017, but not earlier, the Veteran was also granted an effective date for service connection of radiculopathy, left femoral nerve.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's knee disabilities, as well as to determine an appropriate effective date for tinnitus service connection. The issues of increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain a VA examination and to verify the Veteran's period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in June 1974. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a right wrist sprain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle disability is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and the evidence indicates other employment opportunities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for his lumbar spine disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since November 22, 2016. The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected right and left knee limitation of extension.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal conditions have been granted based on chronic wear and tear in service.,Bilateral hearing loss was not established for VA purposes.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by patellofemoral pain syndrome and osteoarthritis, has been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2015. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and limitations.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding range of motion testing and other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development related to the Veteran's lumbar spine surgery and increased rating claims. The AOJ is instructed to obtain missing medical records from the Campbell Clinic, validate the VA Form 21-4142, and then readjudicate both issues.

The Board has denied service connection for a chronic right shoulder disability, and the issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with herniated disc and arachnoiditis have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities effective June 30, 2020. The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment.