Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's cam deformity of the right hip with acetabular impingement and osteoarthritis of the right hip are service-connected as they were aggravated by his service-connected left hip and bilateral ankle disabilities. Effective May 13, 2013, he is eligible for TDIU due to these combined disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic polyneuropathy, finding it is related to the Veteran's service-connected TBI residuals, multiple myeloma, and osteoarthritis. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not have its onset during active service and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for sinusitis, left and right knee disabilities. Specifically, VA treatment records from A.F.C. need to be obtained, and a new examination by an appropriate clinician must be scheduled.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and remanded the remaining issues.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for various finger disabilities is being remanded to allow for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was denied as he failed to cooperate by not attending a required VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with lumbar strain is remanded due to a lack of information regarding flare-ups and functional loss during such episodes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, elbow, and hand and finger disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or related to his military service.,The VA examinations provided clear opinions that the diagnosed conditions are not directly linked to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and osteoarthritis, left ankle degenerative arthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis. The conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to January 29, 2018 and 40 percent thereafter. The claims for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Additionally, a TDIU claim is also being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found that the current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the severity of his COPD, degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists, and other conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right wrist, cervical spine, and bilateral hip disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her service-connected left and right knee conditions is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination during her active-duty period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various degenerative arthritis conditions due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and bilateral shoulder strain, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for residuals of a left ankle fracture.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder condition and his request for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his left shoulder condition, and the severity of his degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis status post patellar tendon rupture surgical repair, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injuries and continuous since separation from service.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee arthritis and right tibia fracture residuals. His right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right tibia fracture and meniscal tear are remanded for further review.