Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with its October 2019 remand directives. The case is now before the RO for further development and adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and for a temporary total disability evaluation due to surgery for her back disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's eczema is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its relationship to his Gulf War service and toxic exposure.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its secondary relationship to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and psychotropic medication.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to the service-connected right hip disability. The case of a compensable rating for the right hip disability, and service connection for LLE radiculopathy and left foot plantar fasciitis are remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective August 9, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous directives.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left knee and left shoulder was denied as he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his supplemental claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development regarding her character of discharge from active duty. The AOJ must address whether she was insane at the time of her offenses and if so, determine if an acquired psychiatric disorder caused her behavior.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC for his service-connected left ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, tinnitus, meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the left knee, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and others, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his knee disabilities and other issues have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left lumbar radiculopathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of those claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to insufficient medical information and the need to obtain updated treatment records. The claims include earlier effective dates and evaluations for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee meniscal tears with degenerative arthritis (now claimed as knee pain), residuals of cold injury of the bilateral hands, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for instability has been granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, finding that the preexisting condition was aggravated by service.,Service connection for chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine arthritis) is also granted based on continuity of symptoms since service separation.

The Veteran's cervical strain is rated at 10 percent before October 6, 2023, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 10 percent before October 6, 2023, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination and medical opinions to address whether the Veteran's OSA was incurred during service, if it is at least as likely as not caused by his weight gain due to his back disability, and if so, whether it would have occurred without the aggravation of obesity from his back disability.

The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations for his left knee degenerative arthritis prior to April 26, 2023, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the period prior to April 26, 2023.