Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VA evaluations regarding the Veteran's arthritic disabilities, other than those already service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the left knee disability was rated appropriately, but the right knee disability required further examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 2, 2020. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and migraine headaches has been dismissed.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at no more than 20 percent from June 1, 2014 to November 24, 2020.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, diagnosed as facet arthrosis and degenerative arthritis, was incurred in service and is now granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left shoulder conditions is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and assessments.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is granted service connection, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to active duty.,Service connection for residuals of lymphangitis and a parasitic infection of the right foot is denied due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for TBI-related migraine headaches, left knee disability, and low back disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for left knee osteoarthritis and service connection for COPD have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected right hamstring strain and left hip impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis and bursitis are not entitled to an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for instability, and a TDIU is granted beginning September 13, 2019. The rating for instability remains unchanged.

The Board restored a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis status post meniscectomy, effective January 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of bilateral resection of breast tissue, anterior trunk resection, and degenerative arthritis of the right little finger were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining necessary evidence.,Additional medical records, including STRs and treatment records from Tampa General Hospital and Texas General Hospital, need to be obtained.

The Veteran's request for a compensable rating for his right fifth finger fracture is denied. The cases of left ankle Achilles tendonitis, right ankle Achilles tendonitis, and left knee osteoarthritis are remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for CFS has been dismissed. The Board found that the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.,PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective from October 26, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to concerns about the competency of the VA examiner and the need for a proper presumption of soundness analysis. The Veteran was found not to have had a pre-existing knee disability at entry into service, but he does have current diagnoses related to his knees.

The Veteran's headache disorder was granted service connection as it manifested during service and is considered to have been incurred in service. The cervical spine disorder, however, did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and the Board found insufficient evidence to establish a link between the cervical spine disorder and service-connected left shoulder dislocation.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current disability.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is being remanded due to allegations of worsening and lack of recent audiometric testing. Further record development, including private treatment records, is needed.,The Veteran's back condition is being remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its onset in service.

The Veteran's right hip disability, characterized by limited flexion to 30 degrees, is granted an initial rating of 20 percent. The ratings for limitation of extension and abduction remain noncompensable.