Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right side lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms approximate no more than moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, and thus an initial rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD with bipolar disorder was remanded due to inadequate rationale provided by the November 2015 VA opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and missing records.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right knee and right shoulder osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that her conditions warranted a rating higher than the current assigned by VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability and determine if there are any functional loss due to pain or other symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by subluxation and limited range of motion, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating than currently assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request from the Veteran for a travel board hearing. The appeal is not about service connection at this stage.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including multiple body traumas, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, COPD, obstructive sleep apnea, emphysema, chronic pansinusitis, low back disorder, cardio-pulmonary disorder, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and osteoarthritis of the knees, right forearm, and right hand. The appeal was decided on the merits without any presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, a right foot disability, and an effective date prior to March 17, 2003 for PTSD. The claim for higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative changes and lumbar spine hypertrophic osteoarthritis were denied. The VA determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and work history.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected left knee disorder has been denied as the evidence does not show that he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment solely due to this disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left eyebrow scar, optic nerve damage with defective vision and glaucoma in the left eye, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis of both shoulders, degenerative arthritis of the spine, cerebral concussion with impairment of balance, maxillary sinusitis, residuals dislocation of the 2nd and 3rd toes on the left foot, and burns to the right leg, meet the schedular percentage requirements for a TDIU since February 7, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 30 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee with meniscectomy residuals and status post right knee replacement is denied. The current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and left leg sciatic nerve condition are not service-connected, as they pre-existed his military service. The right knee disability is also not service-connected as it was not caused by or aggravated by the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD and bilateral flat feet, as well as his claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, were denied by the Board. The appeals are now remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as the issues are related to his right thumb and hand disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence linking the circulatory system disorder to service.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the bilateral shoulders is found to be related to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip conditions are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected back disability. Therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.