Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea, clinical peripheral radiculopathy of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision also remanded several issues related to his right wrist disability.

The Veteran's back condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The current 20% disability rating remains valid.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease, increased ratings for inactive left tibia osteomyelitis and residuals of left tibia and fibula fractures with marked knee disability, and an increase in rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis. The evidence did not support a finding of active or recurrent osteomyelitis of the left tibia within the applicable claim period.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's degenerative arthritis with IVDS, lumbar spine, had its onset in service or is otherwise related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, as his range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the low back. The issue of secondary service connection for bilateral foot condition is now at issue, as well as whether the Veteran's heart condition is related to an episode of syncope during service in May 1993.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to September 6, 2013 for his service-connected right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted a separate 20 percent evaluation for residuals of a right knee meniscal repair and granted evaluations of 20 percent for posttraumatic arthritis in both ankles. The Veteran's osteoarthritis and posttraumatic arthritis in the knees are not rated higher.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the spine and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a link between his in-service injury and current disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations due to inadequate examination reports. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so all claims must be addressed together.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is granted, but the issue of determining the likely cause of any right knee disability remains pending and requires further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and several knee disabilities. The Veteran's VA treatment records from Little Rock VAMC are to be obtained, as well as any recent VA treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current lumbar spine disability is related to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his bilateral knee disabilities and any functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities are not related to active service or any incident of service, including as due to a service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability and reopened the claim for allergic rhinitis, finding new evidence that supports the Veteran's claim.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of all joints, bilateral knee disorder, and right foot disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's LLE peripheral neuropathy is rated at 10 percent since October 30, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the claims file after final decisions were made, and therefore, the issues are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's primary insomnia and osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine are both rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating of 70 percent is granted for primary insomnia. The osteoarthritis case is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder impingement with underlying glenohumeral osteoarthritis, finding that the condition was incurred in service.