Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for his back disability, finding that it is related to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including from patellofemoral syndrome to osteoarthritis and subsequent surgeries, warrants a rating of 60 percent since March 29, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for memory loss is denied as the evidence does not support a separate rating.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the spine with spinal fusion (back disability), and restless leg syndrome are remanded due to insufficient development or evaluation.,Service connection was granted for these conditions but the effective dates were not established. The Board finds that additional development is needed.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis, multiple sites, is granted as service connected. The Board found that the current disability is related to in-service injury and has been recurrent since service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis with IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted based on incapacitating episodes. The Veteran's right hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension prior to November 5, 2018, and remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis, lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative disc disease, femoral radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and sciatic radiculopathy. The remand requests additional examinations to address functional impairment due to flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with its October 2019 remand directives. The case is now before the RO for further development and adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and for a temporary total disability evaluation due to surgery for her back disability. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's eczema is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its relationship to his Gulf War service and toxic exposure.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded due to inadequate VA opinions regarding its secondary relationship to PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and psychotropic medication.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to the service-connected right hip disability. The case of a compensable rating for the right hip disability, and service connection for LLE radiculopathy and left foot plantar fasciitis are remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective August 9, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous directives.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left knee and left shoulder was denied as he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with his supplemental claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development regarding her character of discharge from active duty. The AOJ must address whether she was insane at the time of her offenses and if so, determine if an acquired psychiatric disorder caused her behavior.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC for his service-connected left ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, tinnitus, meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the left knee, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and others, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his knee disabilities and other issues have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left lumbar radiculopathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of those claims.