Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis, right knee instability, and left knee postoperative degenerative symptoms of the meniscus have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of the Veteran's pharynx or larynx disability, as well as her right hip osteoarthritis. The VA must provide additional clarification on these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with impingement, bilateral pes planus, metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis was denied due to lack of a nexus to military service. The Board found no new and material evidence since the final December 1997 rating decision that could substantiate her claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee conditions have been denied. The highest rating of 30% has been granted for the cartilage impairment, but the other conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with shoulder strain is granted as service-connected, and the initial disability rating for PTSD has been increased to 100 percent.,The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for polyarthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's condition began during active service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a head injury, tinnitus, and neck disability due to the lack of evidence supporting an in-service event or injury.,No medical nexus was established between any of these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's claims for unspecified depressive disorder, left knee disability (claimed as a left leg condition), and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbar radiculopathy have been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's increased disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS, in excess of 10 percent from September 4, 2009, and in excess of 20 percent from June 30, 2022, is denied. Separate ratings of 10 percent are granted for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) for the initial rating period from September 4, 2009 to November 10, 2021.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims for osteoarthritis of the hands and feet due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee semilunar cartilage condition and osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar strain with mild degenerative spondylitic change, right knee osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease (DJD), and plantar fasciitis as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder and elbow conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus to active service.,Service connection was also denied for residuals of frostbite of the feet (polyneuropathy), with the Board concluding that there is no direct link between the condition and active service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral tinnitus, asthma, and sinus condition were denied in previous rating decisions. The claim for headaches was granted.,The Veteran's claims for right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, back condition, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder. The claim for service connection is not granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors. The appeal is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, back disability, neck disability, and right shoulder tendinopathy with strain are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.