Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for knee and ankle disabilities are granted, with separate ratings for limitation of extension and instability. The current evaluations remain unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions and the need for additional evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including left knee osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, right knee disability, insomnia, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder), spinal stenosis, and obstructive sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right shoulder tenosynovitis, and left knee/tenosynovitis disabilities are rated at the maximum schedular ratings. The psychiatric disability is granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and lack of clarity on terms used in the rating criteria. The Veteran's right knee disability prior to June 23, 2015 needs further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons or bases for finding that the Veteran did not meet the requirements for extraschedular TDIU prior to September 7, 2016. The Court also found that if the Board maintained that the Veteran's 2016 VA examination was inadequate, that the Board was required to provide an adequate examination.

The Veteran's appeals for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for left and right hand degenerative arthritis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, left ankle disabilities, and tinnitus have all been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability and remanded the knee disabilities due to lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back condition, including degenerative arthritis, finding that it had its onset during service and continues to persist.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis and left ankle stress fracture, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability. The claims for bilateral eye condition and respiratory disorder have been resolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal fusion, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 40 percent ratings effective March 5, 2019. TDIU eligibility is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new evidence submitted by his representative.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee and remanded the issue of service connection for a left ankle disability.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis status post tendon repair is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate previous opinions. The Veteran's low back disorder is being evaluated based on his in-service injury during a trek in or around October 2003 while carrying a lot of weight.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and scoliosis with degenerative arthritis and IVDS prior to January 18, 2020 were found not to warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent due to the lack of evidence showing forward flexion limited to 60 degrees or combined range of motion less than 120 degrees.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, which includes degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis, is not service-connected because it existed prior to service and was aggravated by natural progression rather than being incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for any of the available rates under VA regulations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that her current diagnoses are not related to an in-service injury and thus denying her claim.