Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, left ankle condition, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, lung condition, gastrointestinal disability (IBS and gastroenteritis), migraine headaches, and sickle cell trait are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding the Veteran's end stage renal failure and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require a higher level of aid and attendance, necessitating personal health-care services provided on a daily basis by a person who is licensed to provide such services. The Board has granted the increased SMC (r)(2) based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and remanded the issue of service connection for right thigh muscle atrophy.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right knee, left foot, left elbow, and left knee disabilities. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran was also denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused the current disabilities. The claim was also denied for an initial rating on the left ankle sprain.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis prior to June 27, 2018 and whether a meniscal tear existed prior to that date.

The Veteran's right leg disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current condition related to service.,The Veteran's left hip and right hip disabilities are denied due to lack of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to an in-service injury or event.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder condition, finding that there is continuity of symptomatology since his military service.

The Veteran's left and right upper extremity radiculopathy are granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine degenerative arthritis.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury with migraine headaches is granted, supported by in-service diagnosis and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities were denied. The RO determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings before November 3, 2015 and from November 3, 2015 onwards.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation and service connection due to inadequate examination reports, particularly regarding left knee laxity with arthritis. The AOJ is instructed to schedule new examinations and obtain a medical opinion on both knees.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis is granted. The Board has also remanded the case for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The claim for service connection of a lower back disorder is reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has granted service connection for a back condition and a neck condition, both of which were claimed by the Veteran. The conditions are deemed to have begun during active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disabilities, tinnitus, and remanded other issues due to the need for additional development.