Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination to determine the severity of the service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease disability. The examiner must provide range of motion estimates during flare-ups and express a determination on whether functional ability is significantly limited during these periods.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.,The Veteran's STRs document an incident where he was pinned between a truck, leading to injury to both knees. The VA examiner noted x-ray evidence of remote MCL injuries to both knees.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to address whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric condition or obstructive sleep apnea, and to determine the current severity of his lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear measurements in a VA examination report and the need for clarification regarding pain points, ankylosis, and treatment records. The issues of entitlement to higher evaluations for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, IVDS, and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable rating for bladder impairment associated with lumbosacral degenerative arthritis with lumbar spasm with IVDS is denied. The initial 10 percent rating for costochondritis with rib subluxation and left breast numbness prior to September 22, 2014, is granted, but the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at 40 percent, effective December 11, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20% and denied for an increased rating. Other disabilities are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for his service-connected left wrist and shoulder conditions is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for pain radiating to the left buttocks and leg was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,Claims for right foot, right knee, and left knee disabilities were reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability is denied. The current rating of 40% remains unchanged.

The Board has granted service connection for lateral epicondylitis and osteoarthritis of the right elbow. The claim for left elbow condition is remanded.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease L4-S1 is granted a 40 percent rating, but no higher. The ratings for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee osteoarthritis and service connection for skin conditions other than carbuncle scars have been denied. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant an increased rating, and there is no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for degenerative arthritis of the right hand and a right foot disability, including pes planus. The VA examinations are inadequate, and additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis and remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an additional VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand several cases related to the Veteran's knee conditions, including those involving limitation of flexion and degenerative arthritis in both knees. The remand is due to insufficient information regarding weight-bearing range of motion measurements.

The Board has restored the Veteran's ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and hypertension to their previous levels, finding that the reductions were improper.,Both the reduction in rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine from 40% to 10%, and the reduction in rating for hypertension from 20% to 10%, are being restored.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee limitation of flexion, extension, instability, and scar due to outstanding VA treatment records not being obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscal tear residuals and total knee replacement residuals, and left knee osteoarthritis with medial meniscal tear residuals. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to February 13, 2012 is remanded.