Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal regarding higher evaluations for his lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathies in the lower extremities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy from May 2, 2023, or any other issues raised.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine (lower back pain), and LLE radiculopathy due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records. The appellant will need a new examination to assess his current disability levels and determine if his conditions are secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot condition with plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to her in-service injury during basic training.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for any time period on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted a 30 percent rating prior to June 16, 2023. The Veteran's left and right knee conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for psoriasis and a right foot disability due to further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a supplemental opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis with first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative arthritis was rated at 30 percent from November 8, 2015, and the Board found that this rating is appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's initial ratings for service-connected right hip and left hip disabilities are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher than 10 percent ratings based on limitation of motion. The low back disability is also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right and left knee conditions, as well as service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, are being remanded due to new evidence received since the last adjudication. Clarification is needed from a VA examiner regarding whether these conditions are related to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, nocturnal bruxism, a scar on the right eye following an accident, retinal degeneration, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (claimed as bilateral sciatica), and other conditions. The Board found no current disabilities or sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are necessary to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right knee disabilities, as well as to determine the nature and etiology of his back and neck disabilities. The claims for increased ratings for PTSD and right knee disability remain pending.

The Board has determined that the issue of TDIU from February 17, 2023 is moot due to the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder receiving a 100% rating. The claim for TDIU prior to February 17, 2023 is remanded for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, including testing for range of motion and addressing any instability or functional loss.

The Veteran's left knee dislocated semilunar cartilage condition is granted with a 20 percent disability rating, effective July 8, 2021. The Board also finds an earlier effective date of November 30, 2017 for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar strain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, hernia, allergic rhinitis (allergies), and plantar fasciitis due to incomplete STRs and other procedural issues.,Specifically, the Veteran was not provided proper notification regarding her STRs as required by 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(e).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and degenerative arthritis of the spine have been granted. The claim for a dental disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right foot and ankle disabilities and his service. The Veteran contends that he injured his right foot and ankle during service, but there is no definitive evidence of a stress fracture or other injury in-service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle sprain, left foot pes planus with degenerative arthritis, and right foot pes planus with degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during active duty.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis are related to his service-connected right ankle strain residuals.

The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, effective July 2, 2018.,A 20 percent rating was assigned for right lower extremity radiculopathy, also effective July 2, 2018.