Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability was granted an initial rating of 40 percent. The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability warranted a 40 percent rating based on forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less after repeated use over time and during flare-ups. Service connection for right knee, left knee, and bilateral hearing loss disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's SLE with scarring alopecia and bilateral knee osteoarthritis was granted a 100 percent disability rating from May 11, 2021. Prior to that date, the Veteran had a 60 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed as the VA Form 10182 was not timely filed.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of March 17, 2021 for his service-connected degenerative arthritis right ankle.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the claims for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands. The AOJ is required to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral crepitus and right foot hammertoes, status-post surgery, are granted service connection. The Veteran's claims for left knee joint osteoarthritis and right knee joint osteoarthritis are denied as they are not related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to incomplete information regarding his employment history, SSA benefits, and worker's compensation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip dysplasia as secondary to her service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that her hip condition was aggravated by her knee condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA medical examinations and insufficient consideration of the evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome, finding that his symptoms began during service and have persisted since then.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for osteoarthritis of the left little finger with boutonniere deformity is being remanded due to new evidence indicating worsening of his condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and right knee disabilities have been remanded due to the need for clarification of the severity of his conditions throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's right knee instability has also been remanded, as there is a need for clarification regarding the impact of medication on his range of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis is related to service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted as of January 27, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities including PTSD and CAD.

The Veteran's claims for left wrist degenerative arthritis and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) have been granted. The claim of service connection for dermatitis, to include as secondary to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right knee disability and right knee scar are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current nature and severity of these conditions.

The Board has ordered additional medical opinions to clarify the nature of the Veteran's right hip conditions and determine if any service-connected disabilities have aggravated them. The case is being returned for further review.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was previously denied, but reopened due to new and material evidence. The issue remains on appeal.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, status post left knee injury with mild arthritis, otitis media, and hearing loss are all remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is remanded as new evidence has been received. The issue remains on appeal.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and spinal fusion as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.