Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board remands the claims for further development to obtain an examination that addresses the severity of the Veteran's back condition and radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), neck degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and an initial compensable rating for acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder (MDD).

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected Parkinsonism, as it meets the criteria for such benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for a left shoulder disorder, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board remands the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and higher ratings for lumbar strain, right knee instability, right knee osteoarthritis, removal of cartilage of the right knee, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to obtain additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for right knee rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis but denied service connection for impaired fertility.

The case is remanded for an addendum opinion to address flare-ups and associated range of motion limitations, as well as to obtain private treatment records and a TDIU claim.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, as the previous examination was found inadequate.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected eye disability, but remanded the claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial compensable ratings for tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for left knee condition, right knee degenerative arthritis, and low back pain as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and lumbar DDD/spondylosis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for lumbar spinal stenosis to obtain an addendum opinion considering the impact of pain medications on the Veteran's back symptoms.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, thus the Board has no jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right shoulder rotator cuff tendinosis and arthralgia, in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, in excess of 10 percent for right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, and in excess of 20 percent for chronic right ankle sprain to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, left ear hearing loss, left hand frostbite, right hand frostbite, and knee joint osteoarthritis. The Veteran's appeal was also remanded for further development of the claims for a headache disorder and lumbar spine disorder.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Veteran's back disability was granted a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, from March 9, 2021. The other issues were remanded for further consideration.

The Board remands the issues for further development and a new VA examination to address the severity of the Veteran's right knee disabilities without the ameliorative effects of medication.