Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hand degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis and strain, right foot contusion, and right great toe disability manifested by pain. The decision is based on credible lay evidence showing continuous symptoms since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable and higher ratings for right hip stress fracture, limitation of flexion; impairment of abduction, adduction and rotation; and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The missing physical therapy records from the February 2020 VA examination need to be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis of the hips, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic constipation (claimed as IBS), hemorrhoids, and diverticulosis (claimed as IBS) due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran does not have CFS, fibromyalgia, or IBS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 21, 2016 for service connection of recurrent dislocations and glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with glenohumeral instability, right shoulder. The decision is based on a final denial in December 2001.

The Veteran's headaches, cervical spine disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorders and their relationship to service, particularly his service-connected shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hip disabilities and their relationship to service.

The appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance, including sleep apnea is dismissed. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is denied and the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, was granted service connection. The right hip degenerative joint disease and related issues were denied with some evaluations being remanded.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve has been assigned a separate 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome and left knee osteoarthritis due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 1, 2014. The RO has granted a temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery.,The Veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants an increased rating to 40 percent from May 1, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and asthma, due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Veteran's back condition may have worsened since his last VA examination, and he has developed bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms. The Board finds a remand is necessary to afford the Veteran another examination.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with instability is rated at 10 percent since August 6, 2021. The rating for painful motion prior to December 13, 2022, and limited extension after that date are denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for left knee lateral instability has been granted from the effective date of the August 2021 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability and right hip disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her neck disability, which she contends was caused by a fall in service, and an increased rating for her right hip disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted. The claims for service connection for a mental disorder and right shoulder condition are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee strain and degenerative arthritis, as well as bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's current conditions are believed to have started during his active military service.,Service connection was also granted for migraine headaches secondary to a pre-existing condition (service-connected anxiety disorder with insomnia disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examination reports and incomplete development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective date were denied. The back disability was rated at 20 percent from February 20, 2015, but the claim is not prior to this date.