Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's spine disability increased rating issue due to lack of substantial compliance with the February 2023 remand directives. The case is now pending for a new VA back examination to obtain estimates concerning additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of bladder cancer. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to insufficient nexus opinion, and the claims for right knee condition and left knee strain are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of both lower extremities from October 17, 2016. The AOJ is to seek authorization to obtain medical records from Noran Neurology, Neurosurgical Associates, or other providers seen through the Veterans Choice Program.

The Veteran's low back pain related to degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted as service connected. The issues for left-hand and right-hand disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis changes is granted a 50% evaluation, effective from April 5, 2013. The TDIU claim remains pending as the maximum schedular rating had not been assigned for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder), hypertension, gout, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, lower back DJD, neck disorder with pain and numbness down the hands, and COPD. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various conditions. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of Reserve service dates and types, obtaining complete medical records, and providing opinions on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress and generalized anxiety disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.,The Veteran's neck disability is related to his military service.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is related to his military service.,The Veteran's low back disability is aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hand disability and tinnitus are granted. The claim for service connection for a left foot degenerative arthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety, depressed mood and somatic disorder is granted a 30 percent rating effective March 21, 2019. The cervical strain condition remains at a 30 percent rating since that date. Service connection for posttraumatic degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is also granted.

The Veteran's right and left thumb disabilities, as well as their corresponding wrist disabilities, are not service-connected.,For the right knee disability, a rating of 10 percent is granted. For the left knee strain, a rating of 10 percent is also granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar DDD, right hip degenerative arthritis, and a right leg disability should be remanded due to errors in obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right thumb and hand conditions were denied initial compensable ratings.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed as it has been granted in full.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's physical and/or mental impairment needs to be evaluated in relation to his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The issues of entitlement to TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the February 2018 VA examination.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, and an addendum opinion is needed from an appropriate clinician.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.,The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it had its onset during his military service and resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.