Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases of low back disorder and obstructive sleep apnea for further development due to insufficient evidence in some areas.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its directive to obtain VA examinations for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. Therefore, another remand is necessary.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine if any of the Veteran's VA records were erroneously associated with another Veteran's claims file. The Board also finds that a new VA opinion is required to address the likely onset and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed insomnia, as well as whether it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis with degenerative disc disease. The most probative evidence of record shows that the Veteran's low back disability had its onset in service and has continued since.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a final decision on his service connection claims before proceeding with the TDIU determination.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and spondylosis are remanded due to unclear range of motion measurements during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including initial compensable rating for atopic dermatitis and service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder and moderate alcohol use disorder, sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, keratitis/corneal ulcer, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, enlarged cervical right side submandibular lymph node, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and muscle and joint pain (unspecified).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address all theories of entitlement to service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, including direct service connection and aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's diagnosis of wrist strain in 2016, and for obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his left wrist disability, including TFCC tear and degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was partially granted, with restoration of a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the RLE effective February 12, 2020. The rating for IVDS with degenerative arthritis changes remains denied.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability rating from 20 percent to 10 percent effective April 1, 2020 was proper and denied the request for restoration of the original 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance. However, he does not meet the criteria for housebound status due to his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with DDD and cervical spondylosis, and left shoulder strain with impingement syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee conditions have been denied. The current ratings assigned do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right knee instability is restored to a 30 percent rating, effective July 1, 2020. The issue of an initial increased rating above 20 percent for L2-3 and L3-4 DDD with posterior spondylosis with L5-S1 retrolisthesis and lumbosacral strain is dismissed as withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the claims for left foot disability, migraine headaches, hypertension, and stomach ulcers due to a lack of an adequate etiology opinion. The Veteran's current disabilities are being remanded for new VA examinations and medical opinions regarding whether they are related to toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right knee disorder and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic pain syndrome, incontinence, and degenerative arthritis have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Board will now consider these claims again.