Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a right wrist sprain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle disability is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as there is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a reasonable possibility that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, and the evidence indicates other employment opportunities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for his lumbar spine disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since November 22, 2016. The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected right and left knee limitation of extension.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal conditions have been granted based on chronic wear and tear in service.,Bilateral hearing loss was not established for VA purposes.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by patellofemoral pain syndrome and osteoarthritis, has been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2015. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and limitations.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding range of motion testing and other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development related to the Veteran's lumbar spine surgery and increased rating claims. The AOJ is instructed to obtain missing medical records from the Campbell Clinic, validate the VA Form 21-4142, and then readjudicate both issues.

The Board has denied service connection for a chronic right shoulder disability, and the issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with herniated disc and arachnoiditis have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual employability due to service-connected disabilities effective June 30, 2020. The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hand degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis and strain, right foot contusion, and right great toe disability manifested by pain. The decision is based on credible lay evidence showing continuous symptoms since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable and higher ratings for right hip stress fracture, limitation of flexion; impairment of abduction, adduction and rotation; and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The missing physical therapy records from the February 2020 VA examination need to be obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis of the hips, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic constipation (claimed as IBS), hemorrhoids, and diverticulosis (claimed as IBS) due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions. The Board found that the Veteran does not have CFS, fibromyalgia, or IBS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 21, 2016 for service connection of recurrent dislocations and glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis with glenohumeral instability, right shoulder. The decision is based on a final denial in December 2001.

The Veteran's headaches, cervical spine disability, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the possibility of worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorders and their relationship to service, particularly his service-connected shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hip disabilities and their relationship to service.

The appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance, including sleep apnea is dismissed. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is denied and the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, was granted service connection. The right hip degenerative joint disease and related issues were denied with some evaluations being remanded.