Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and DDD of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine with sensory neuropathy and radiculopathy (claimed as nerve disorder/neurological signs and symptoms), is presumed to have existed prior to service. The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that any increase in severity occurred during service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including a new VA examination to evaluate the Veteran's service-connected back disability and address pain during weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing use.

The Veteran's service-connected rod/cone dystrophy and right hip osteoarthritis with pubic ramus fracture are being remanded for updated evaluations due to the passage of time since his last VA examinations in 2017.

The Veteran's polyneuropathy of the lower extremities is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease. The claims for a bilateral foot disability other than neuropathy and a bilateral ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine conditions are being remanded due to unclear examiner responses regarding range of motion, potential ankylosis, and the discontinuation of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his intervertebral disc syndrome (previously lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine) is remanded due to inadequate examination and potential flare-ups not adequately addressed.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and lateral instability of the right knee have been denied as his conditions do not warrant higher ratings based on current diagnostic criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU prior to April 15, 2014 due to insufficient medical opinions addressing these issues. Additional development is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, neck conditions, bilateral knee conditions, joint conditions, and back conditions. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service or any period of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain, left knee status-post ACL repair with degenerative arthritis, and right knee patellofemoral chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis. The conditions are found to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various ankle, hip, and knee conditions are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the direct and secondary service connection bases.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbosacral strain are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled examinations. The Veteran is advised that she must cooperate with examination requests.

The Veteran's right foot degenerative arthritis is not service-connected.,His tinnitus was found to be related to noise exposure during service.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus and unspecified anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's joint pain is denied because it is caused by degenerative arthritis, not an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is granted as service connected. The right knee and respiratory disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at a 10 percent for limitation of flexion, and a 20 percent rating is granted as of September 15, 2022, for limitation of extension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and pain medications, as well as an addendum opinion from VA's Director of Compensation and Pension Service addressing the Veteran's work history and education.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shin splints, as well as his initial evaluations for obstructive sleep apnea and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and corroborating in-service stressors.