Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted increased initial ratings of 20% for the right fifth metatarsal fracture and 60% for actinic keratosis and residuals. The appeal for an increased rating for eczema (also diagnosed as psoriasis) is remanded, and the appeal for an increased initial rating greater than 10% for the right ankle sprain with degenerative arthritis is also remanded.

The Veteran is eligible for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, and the appeal concerning a special home adaptation grant is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his orthopedic conditions, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5201. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right upper extremity nerve disability due to inadequate examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incomplete VA examination, and a new addendum opinion is needed to determine if the Veteran's right ankle condition is related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right knee osteoarthritis on the basis of limitation of flexion and extension due to a new VA examination being necessary.

The Veteran's left knee impairment is granted as secondary to his right knee condition, effective March 31, 2017.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's neck and left wrist disabilities, which are secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The remand is due to insufficient opinions regarding secondary service connection and a need for updated medical records.

Your claims for service connection have been granted, and the disabilities are now rated as per the RO's decision. The appeals are dismissed because the benefits sought on appeal have already been awarded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's right knee and right ankle disabilities have been granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The decision is based on the current symptoms and limitations of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, and PTSD.,The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical evidence, and there is a reasonable doubt in favor of his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete STRs and outstanding VA treatment records. The issues include gout, cervical spine disorder, back disorder, anxiety disorder, respiratory disorder, sleep/fatigue disorder, headaches, and muscle pain disorders, all potentially related to Persian Gulf service.

The Board has granted service connection for secondary cervical spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spinal stenosis conditions related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities. A disability rating of 40 percent is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee, neck, and left shoulder conditions due to incomplete medical opinions and outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in all three issues, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and ratings have been denied.,Specifically, the Board found that no earlier effective date could be granted due to a July 6, 2017 auto-generated 'intent to file' form which did not preserve an effective date of July 6, 2017.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its prior remand directives and thus the case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and meniscal tear. The skin disorder claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential exposure to TCE in water and positive ANA test results.