Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral knee disabilities have been partially granted. The 20 percent ratings for right and left knee meniscal tears and degenerative arthritis are restored, but the Veteran's requests for higher evaluations remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for several reasons, including the need to obtain updated VA treatment records and employment information. Additionally, updated examinations are required for his other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 20, 2014 for the award of service connection for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, degenerative arthritis, and bilateral callosities is denied.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a respiratory disorder (claimed as sleep apnea and COPD).,The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, degenerative arthritis, and bilateral callosities, and for a rating for right knee joint osteoarthritis are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his period of active service.,Service connection was also denied for diabetes mellitus and a neurological disability (claimed as 'nerves').

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion and left knee instability due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for additional retrospective opinions.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds no basis for a higher rating due to lack of limitation of motion or instability. The Veteran's headaches do not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric condition and a right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for further medical development as the VA examination did not provide sufficient information regarding where pain begins during range of motion testing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent evaluation is the maximum available.,Service connection for high cholesterol is denied because it does not meet VA compensation criteria.,A TDIU award is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantial gainful employment.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for schizophrenia remains remanded due to potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Claims for higher ratings for right rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbosacral strain, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis are also remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and metatarsalgia remain remanded.,Claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, internal hemorrhoids, right colon adenoma, umbilical hernia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.,The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied service connection for a right colon adenoma is also remanded.,Service connection claims for an umbilical hernia secondary to the right colon adenoma and diabetes mellitus remain remanded.,Claims for service connection for heart disability, including hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia are all remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and special monthly compensation has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with the claims as he is deceased.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Board found that his migraines were characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful or limited motion at times due to pain and other factors, but with full extension to 0 degrees and flexion to greater than 30 degrees, was found not to warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent assigned since 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected PTSD, right knee disabilities, and effective date claims. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, arranging for examinations of the Veteran's right knee surgical scars and ligament injuries, and addressing the evaluation and effective date issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right hip disorder, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine this.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and inadequate medical evidence regarding whether the appellant's diagnosed bilateral foot disability was incurred or aggravated during her ACDUTRA service from February 1983 to April 1983. The VA must obtain the appellant's complete service records and provide an addendum opinion to address these issues.

The Veteran's chronic adjustment disorder with depression is rated at 50 percent effective April 22, 2018. A separate 10 percent rating for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to service-connected lumbar spine disability is granted. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to readjudicate his claims for service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence received is both new and relevant, and thus the appeals are granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to readjudicate his claims for service connection for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The evidence received is considered new and relevant, warranting a readjudication of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis with instability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to his military service, specifically running and marching up hills with heavy packs.

The Board has granted service connection for knee strain, right with degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued through the present day.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, back condition (claimed as an acquired psychiatric disorder), right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis have been granted. The Board found that new evidence submitted by the Veteran supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.