Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety, depressed mood and somatic disorder is granted a 30 percent rating effective March 21, 2019. The cervical strain condition remains at a 30 percent rating since that date. Service connection for posttraumatic degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is also granted.

The Veteran's right and left thumb disabilities, as well as their corresponding wrist disabilities, are not service-connected.,For the right knee disability, a rating of 10 percent is granted. For the left knee strain, a rating of 10 percent is also granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar DDD, right hip degenerative arthritis, and a right leg disability should be remanded due to errors in obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right thumb and hand conditions were denied initial compensable ratings.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed as it has been granted in full.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's physical and/or mental impairment needs to be evaluated in relation to his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The issues of entitlement to TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the February 2018 VA examination.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, and an addendum opinion is needed from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it had its onset during his military service and resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, left knee posttraumatic osteoarthritis, right knee posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and right wrist degenerative arthritis. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service MOS as a survival instructor and associated injuries from parachute jumps.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service, and his left foot degenerative arthritis and hallux valgus are related to this aggravation. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left wrist and left knee disabilities, finding no current diagnoses or evidence of in-service injury that would support a grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities due to inconsistencies in previous examinations. The Veteran is also being asked to provide an additional examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine status post fracture T-5 was not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or its functional equivalent from April 4, 2019 to November 9, 2020. As such, his claim for a higher disability rating was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were dismissed as the appeal is moot due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for secondary service connection of right knee osteoarthritis as it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The Veteran is required to undergo further examination and provide additional information regarding stressors related to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the issues of TDIU and basic eligibility for Chapter 35 DEA based on permanent and total disability prior to September 18, 2013 due to a letter from VA indicating that it would be premature to adjudicate these matters before considering information from the Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a disability rating for right knee strain and degenerative arthritis.