Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, particularly regarding whether the Veteran's back and hip disabilities are aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing these issues.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve affecting the left lower extremity is now rated at 40 percent effective January 17, 2018. TDIU was granted as of January 9, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for a low back condition due to insufficient evidence in the current examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left ankle sprain, right shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, and left elbow disorder have all been granted service connection with the appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and his right and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent.,No higher ratings are warranted for the Veteran's left shoulder or knee disabilities.

The Board has found a duty to assist error occurred and remands the case for further development, including requesting an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an adequate medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed left knee disorder.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's radiculopathy, right lower extremity, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no indication of severe incomplete paralysis or marked muscular atrophy.

The Board has remanded the issues of propriety of the reduction in rating for the Veteran's lumbar back disability, entitlement to increased ratings for her lumbar back and associated radiculopathy disabilities, and requests for additional treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of vision problems, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and chronic urticaria as these conditions have been granted during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's cervical spine condition and erectile dysfunction are now considered secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,New evidence has been submitted, including VA examination reports and a private medical opinion, which supports the claim for secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis as no new and relevant evidence was presented during the applicable time period.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent, with separate ratings for meniscal tear and instability. The rating for osteoarthritis remains denied.

The Veteran's back disability is denied as there was no chronic in-service disease or injury, and the current diagnosis of minimal lumbar degenerative disc disease did not manifest within one year of separation from service.,The Veteran's right knee disability is denied due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that led to his current condition.,The Veteran's left knee disability is denied as there was no chronic in-service disease or injury, and the current diagnosis of tricompartmental osteoarthritis with meniscal tear did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to the claimed conditions, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the disabilities began during active service.

The Board has decided to remand all claims due to duty-to-assist errors, requiring additional examinations and opinions for the left knee, right knee, lumbar spine, and tinnitus issues.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals.

The Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis and bilateral knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral syndrome are granted at 50% and 20% ratings respectively. The service connection claims for a bilateral ankle condition and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, finding that his current condition is related to his military service.