Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met, except for a March 29, 2013 effective date for service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees, finding that these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease and bilateral hip strain.

The Board has decided to remand four of the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and one for service connection due to outdated examination reports. The Veteran will need new examinations for his bipolar disorder, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back and right knee disabilities due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to his military service, but a VA examiner will need to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the remaining claims can be decided. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also facing a TDIU claim that is being remanded as well.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, including increased ratings and a TDIU determination. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, including limitation of extension and flexion, is rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2023.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, and degenerative arthritis lumbar spine due to insufficient credentialing documents provided by VA examiners.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his back disability and TDIU prior to September 19, 2018 are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder and denied secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral inguinal hernias were rated as small and not readily reducible, but they were not large or postoperative recurrent. The left knee arthritis was not manifest by x-ray evidence of two or more major joints. Therefore, the claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee meniscus tear with osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, and has also granted a 30 percent initial rating for bilateral pes planus prior to October 16, 2019.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, knee strain, and knee instability, status post total knee arthroplasty, is granted. The claims for secondary service connection for a left hip disability and a left ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination.,Left knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II are all remanded as the Board needs additional opinions on their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back condition was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective August 23, 2018, to January 9, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of lumbar spine disorder was granted, and he is now receiving a 60% rating effective from November 2, 2017.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 100% from November 1, 2011 to February 1, 2012. From January 13, 2015 to November 5, 2015, and from March 1, 2016 to January 18, 2018, the Veteran's coronary artery disease was rated at 60%. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder was rated at 30% prior to August 9, 2010. From August 9, 2010, the Veteran's GERD was rated at 40%. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20% prior to July 13, 2010 and at 40% thereafter. The Veteran's right humerus condition, residuals of a right shoulder dislocation with degenerative arthritis (DA), and bilateral knee conditions were all rated at 20%. SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status was denied.