Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected due to continuous symptoms since service. The peripheral nerve disability of the bilateral lower extremities is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its relationship to the service-connected low back condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine with IVDS and Pars Defect with Anterolisthesis of L5-L1 (spine disorder), right lower extremity sciatic nerve disability, right lower extremity femoral nerve disability, left lower extremity sciatic nerve disability, and left lower extremity femoral nerve disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is intrinsically intertwined with the other issues on appeal.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for femoral acetabular impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the left hip as secondary to his service-connected left ankle condition.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea and various orthopedic conditions. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to address the nature and etiology of a sleep disorder, as well as to clarify whether any increased ratings for certain knee and hip conditions are warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder impingement syndrome, complete rotator cuff tear, glenohumeral arthritis, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. The Board also granted service connection for right knee disorder including right meniscus and ACL tear, instability, osteoarthritis, and chondromalacia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right little finger disability is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine arthritis, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and left hip disability have been granted increased ratings.

The Veteran's right shoulder condition is granted a 30 percent rating.,The Veteran's left knee condition is granted a 60 percent rating prior to April 20, 2023. A higher rating of in excess of 60 percent from that date is denied.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy (lower back condition), and bilateral hearing loss have been granted service connection. The carpal tunnel syndrome is related to his active duty duties as a hull maintenance technician and damage controlman. The degenerative arthritis with right radiculopathy is presumed due to the Veteran's in-service injury, while the bilateral hearing loss is denied as there was no evidence of hearing loss during or within one year after service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thyroid cancer and cervical spine degenerative arthritis, bulging discs, status-post surgical residuals due to incomplete records and insufficient nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is service-connected and if it is aggravated by his service-connected prostate cancer and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of left and right shoulder osteoarthritis, as well as right and left restless leg syndrome, were denied. The evidence did not show that the Veteran's conditions warranted a higher rating.,The VA examinations provided sufficient information to determine that the Veteran’s range of motion was limited to 45 degrees from the side, which does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's right hip disorder, genitourinary disorder other than erectile dysfunction (epididymo-orchitis), nasal disorder, and several musculoskeletal conditions are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions is being remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service exposure or service-connected disabilities. Further examination and opinion may be necessary under recent changes in law related to toxic exposure claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been granted an increased rating of 30 percent effective April 23, 2019.,Increased ratings have also been granted for the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities at a 30 percent rating effective April 23, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and a right ankle disability, as well as an increased rating for panic disorder without agoraphobia and antisocial personality disorder. The Board also remanded several issues including left shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and SMC based upon the need for aid and attendance.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine and right ankle disabilities were not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back conditions and their relationship to service. The Veteran contends his current back conditions are related to an in-service injury, but VA records do not support this claim.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his reported in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.