Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including asbestosis and/or COPD, is being remanded due to the need for further development. The low back disability has been granted based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total evaluation due to back surgery, as a new VA medical opinion is needed regarding the etiology of his lower back condition.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded for further evaluation. The left elbow, right femur fracture residuals, and left knee degenerative arthritis cases are also remanded due to the Veteran's testimony of increased severity since the last VA examinations.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no exceptional pattern of hearing impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disability and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, finding that there is at least as likely as not a link between his current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's GERD and lumbar spine disability were granted service connection, while the right shoulder strain, eczema, and onychomycosis of both great toenails issues resulted in a rating increase or grant. The case was remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right foot strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at a 20 percent evaluation, but no higher. The decision grants the Veteran a 20 percent evaluation for his condition prior to October 31, 2022 and denies any evaluation greater than 20 percent since that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee degenerative arthritis with chondromalacia, status post complex tear of the lateral meniscus, based on limitation of flexion and extension, or for instability. He also did not meet the criteria for separate ratings for meniscal pathology or instability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination results and requests for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination for rating purposes, and requests additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbosacral spine condition has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent and greater than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine due to inadequate development.

Your claims of entitlement to service connection for right and left knee disorders have been fully granted in a September 2020 rating decision, effective December 31, 2012. Your appeals are dismissed as the benefits sought on appeal have already been granted.

The Board has found that further development is necessary and the case is remanded to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's knee conditions, including left and right knee degenerative arthritis, as well as De Quervain's tenosynovitis of the left wrist, are all on appeal for increased ratings. Additionally, there is a claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than May 21, 2012 for left great toe neuropathy and left lower extremity sciatica have been denied as the effective date is based on the date of receipt of the claim.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine DDD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and a lumbar scar received August 31, 2011 have been denied as there are no earlier unaddressed filings or communications that would warrant an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for left ear hearing loss and left shoulder degenerative arthritis with scar are denied. The case is remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back and neck disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the lower and upper extremities. The remand requires a VA examination to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance from September 20, 2017. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to be at a high risk of falling due to numbness in his hands and feet.