Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Additionally, a TDIU claim is also being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity of his COPD, degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist, cervical spine, and bilateral hip disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right knee conditions is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination during her active-duty period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various degenerative arthritis conditions due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and bilateral shoulder strain, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for residuals of a left ankle fracture.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition and his request for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left shoulder condition, and the severity of his degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis status post patellar tendon rupture surgical repair, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injuries and continuous since separation from service.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee arthritis and right tibia fracture residuals. His right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right tibia fracture and meniscal tear are remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for a separate rating for right knee torn lateral meniscus prior to March 8, 2016 and remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for right knee flexion and extension.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral foot disability was aggravated during service, warranting service connection.,Service connection is granted for a right knee disability secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot and knee disabilities.,Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot and knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to effective dates and ratings for various knee and hip conditions. The Board has determined that the claims are not yet ready for appellate consideration.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his right total knee replacement, but the evidence does not support a prior effective date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for abnormal menstrual cycle, hearing loss, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, lumbar muscle strain and degenerative arthritis (also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease), and pelvic muscle spasms due to mild diastasis of the pubic symphysis have been dismissed. The Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are all granted.,The Veteran's hearing loss, right leg disorder, and left leg disorder were previously denied but new evidence has now reopened these claims.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, but has remanded her claims for evaluations of her spine and hip disabilities.

The Veteran's hip disabilities, including right and left hip bursitis, were granted service connection from July 13, 2006. The effective date for the grant of service connection for right and left hip disabilities is set at July 13, 2006.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and stomach condition are remanded for additional medical opinions to determine their etiology.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded because no VA examiner has provided a nexus opinion on its presumptive service connection under the PACT Act. The Veteran's total potential toxic exposure throughout his military service must also be considered.,The Veteran's right and left ankle conditions are remanded for additional medical opinions to determine their etiology, specifically considering his in-service injuries and repetitive jumping with a 100-pound backpack on his back.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is remanded for an additional medical opinion to determine its etiology, specifically considering his in-service right ankle sprain.

An effective date of May 6, 2015 is granted for the grant of a 40 percent disability rating for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine (back disability).,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his back disability is denied. The evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS that would warrant a higher rating.,A TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 11, 2022, is granted.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's right shoulder disability rating from 40% to 20%, effective August 1, 2017, was improper and restored the original 40% rating.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and clarification of the medical opinions provided, as they do not address all theories of entitlement raised by the Veteran.