Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2015. The claim for an increased rating remains on appeal.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was granted a separate 10 percent rating effective January 31, 2022.

Service connection for limitation of extension of left knee is restored, effective September 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder and right knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the current ratings of 20 percent for the left shoulder and 10 percent for the right knee are appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. Service connection was also established for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and trauma-related disorder. The Veteran's back disability is now rated at 40 percent from January 24, 2022.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease, right arm ulnar sensory neuropathy, and right ankle sprain with instability and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with its previous remand directives, specifically regarding the Veteran's lay statements about his back injury.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and the appeal must be returned for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for a disorder claimed as degenerative arthritis was denied because the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran's arthritis diagnoses were found to be unrelated to his military service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and low back pain were also denied as the evidence did not support a finding that they began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right knee anterior cruciate ligament repair has been rated at 10 percent since June 23, 2015. The current rating is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's tension/reoccurring headaches are found to be related to an in-service head injury.,The Veteran's right knee disorder with arthroplasty and total knee replacement is found to be related to a service-connected right knee disorder.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative osteoarthritis is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder.,The Veteran's right ankle instability is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder.,The Veteran's left ankle instability is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability was denied in January 2014, but granted with an effective date of December 15, 2016. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is December 15, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, right knee (claimed as a right leg condition) was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without showing good cause. As a result, the claim is denied.

The Veteran's current eye disability, including glaucoma and loss of sight, was not caused by or incurred during service. The Board found the evidence does not support a finding that his back disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a cervical disorder, including degenerative arthritis and its relationship to a service-connected disability. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and deep vein thrombosis of the left ankle. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be related to his active duty service.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on direct evidence showing their onset during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and instability, has been rated at 20 percent since March 6, 2009. The decision grants a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left knee instability.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, accounting for all instances of right knee pain while in service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 40 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as it did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of the Veteran's skin disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and TDIU due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral knee and wrist disorders due to uncertainty regarding the diagnosis and etiology of his conditions, as well as lack of probative medical opinions.