Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that updated medical records and new VA examinations are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculopathy/neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome.

Service connection for PTSD and right ear hearing loss is granted.,Degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee meniscal tear, right ankle lateral ligament sprain, left ankle lateral ligament sprain, and left ear hearing loss are all remanded for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis and right foot hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service complaints of pain.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions due to her withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected osteoarthritis of the right hip is remanded due to insufficient evidence from a previous examination. The Veteran may experience flare-ups and additional functional loss.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which is secondary to his service-connected pes planus, has been granted as service connection. The claims for service connection of the left shoulder condition, ulnar condition, wrist condition, and skin condition have been remanded.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that none of the conditions met the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria. The effective dates for service connection were also not granted as requested by the Veteran.

The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are denied, with separate ratings granted for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity associated with his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance for Canadian Crutches in 2020 is being remanded due to insufficient explanation of the denial and conflicting evidence regarding use for a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the same condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions, including degenerative arthritis and meniscal tears, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and residuals of a heat stroke are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the scar is rated at 0 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the scar is rated at 0 percent.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's arthritis is not related to his service-connected ganglion cyst and is more likely due to natural aging.,Service connection was also denied for a right arm disorder and left arm disorder, as there was no evidence of chronic symptoms in service or within one year after separation.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records related to the Veteran's right shoulder, right foot, right wrist, right knee, back, and hearing loss disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and stroke residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for left rotator cuff tendinitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, as it represented a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities, as well as service connection for left knee instability, osteoarthritis right knee, osteoarthritis left knee, and right knee instability. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right shoulder conditions, as well as his bilateral knee conditions. The conditions are considered to have had their onset during active service.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right hand, 5th metacarpal fracture is remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the pending claim.