Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and back disabilities were granted separate 10 percent ratings from November 2, 2015 to May 23, 2016. A rating higher than 10 percent for the right shoulder disability was denied during this period.

The Veteran's right shoulder disabilities, including a rotator cuff tear and labral tear, were incurred during active duty service from January to September 2004. The arthritis was also shown within one year of separation. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence and a need for additional examinations. The Veteran's endocrine system disorder, including pituitary adenoma, hyperprolactinemia, and hypogonadism, is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar strain, and right and left hip osteoarthritis are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, as well as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar strain, and right and left hip osteoarthritis are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 14, 2021. The case is now before the Board again for further appellate action.

The Board has determined that a new medical opinion is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection due to an inaccurate factual premise in the previous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service arthritis diagnosis.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to outdated medical examinations. The Veteran's left knee conditions, back disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder are all under review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his back disability and sinusitis with allergic and non-allergic rhinitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, as well as for her back and right hip disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's right knee sprain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and associated scars, is currently rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle osteoarthritis status post-surgical repair, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 13, 2014 was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS is rated at 40 percent from March 16, 2017 to March 2, 2020.,Effective March 2, 2020, the Veteran's disability remains rated at 40 percent. Effective March 18, 2019, he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis of the spine have been denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, including residuals of a fracture and surgical procedure, was initially rated as noncompensable prior to July 31, 2019. The Veteran is now entitled to an initial compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's GERD was initially rated as noncompensable prior to July 31, 2019. The Veteran is now entitled to an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition worsened during his third period of active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for right foot hallux valgus from April 10, 2018 has been withdrawn. The claims of entitlement to increased ratings for a right foot condition and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.