Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded two issues: entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic low back strain with degenerative arthritis and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran needs to provide VA treatment records from the period November 2009 to present, complete a VA Form 21-4142 for all medical facilities he has been seen at during the appeal, and undergo an examination for his low back and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence establishing a current disability and/or a link between the claimed conditions and service. The Board found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim for PTSD, but did not find any material evidence relating to the left hip disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine, right knee, bilateral shoulder, and left hip disabilities. The evidence now shows that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's iliotibial band syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees were not found to warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and address the issues of his left and right knee disabilities, as well as coccydynia and TDIU.

The Veteran was granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, thoracic spine compression fractures, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome. Headaches were not found to be related to service.,Service connection was established for the Veteran's right knee condition based on continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's right knee bursitis and degenerative arthritis do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disorder and a rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability. The claim for TDIU prior to October 23, 2014 was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 30 percent under DCs 5257 and 5261. The Veteran has been granted a separate rating for his surgical scars.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, particularly regarding his gastrointestinal disorder, allergic rhinitis, and thoracolumbar spine disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is at least as likely as not caused by undue stress due to his service-connected residuals of a right foot fracture, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his right knee, including the residual surgical scar. The issue will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability and right lower extremity disability are service-connected as they began during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development. The case will be returned to the Board only if full compliance with this decision is achieved.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his left hip disability is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew this claim. The Board finds that service connection is warranted for bilateral foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis and right foot hallux limitus rigidus with metatarsal osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, effective January 1, 2014. The appeal regarding service connection for a sinus disability remains pending.

The Veteran's left knee lateral meniscectomy and arthroscopy with osteoarthritis was characterized by dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent locking, pain, and effusion for the entire claims period. The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5258 for the entire claims period.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a sleep-related disability, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea cannot be granted.