Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the cases for additional VA opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right shoulder disability. The issues are being returned due to inconsistencies in previous opinions and the need for clarification on service connection.

The appeals for service connection and new evidence were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for increased ratings of bilateral pes planus, right shoulder disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for new examinations. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities of the cervical spine, left and right shoulders, and knees as secondary to his service-connected foot and ankle disabilities due to lack of a causal relationship.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted a 20% disability rating from May 11, 2021 to April 19, 2022. His right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted an initial 20% disability rating during this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left knee and ankle disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim based on need for aid and attendance, are being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records, conduct new examinations by orthopedic surgeons or orthopedists, address the impact of the Veteran's conditions on daily activities, and determine if he requires assistance with daily living.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and other foot conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since October 20, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia has been remanded.,Claims for service connection for hypertension, right great toe arthritis, bilateral pes valgo planus/fallen arches, bilateral gastrocnemius equinus, and nerve entrapment have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back condition and right knee osteoarthritis are now granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral hallux abductovalgus with bunion.,The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II, are also granted as secondary to her service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral hallux abductovalgus with bunion.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, limitation of extension, and dislocated semilunar cartilage due to a finding that separate ratings for these conditions violate VA General Counsel opinion.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, headaches and obstructive sleep apnea are service connected as due to his adjustment disorder, and lumbar spine disability (degenerative arthritis) is also service connected. Other conditions have not been linked to service.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim is granted due to the combined disability rating of his service-connected conditions meeting the schedular requirements.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and granted it. The effective date is fixed in accordance with the facts found, but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of an application therefor.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, and he currently receives a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease, and sciatic radiculopathy of right lower extremity have been reopened. The Board has determined that these conditions are related to his active military service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The right knee, right hip, left ankle, and low back disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with IVDS and osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have been continuous since service separation. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to arthritis.