Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's Lumbar Degenerative Arthritis is granted a rating of 40 percent from March 26, 2015 to September 4, 2020. A higher rating is denied for this period. For the period after September 4, 2020, a rating greater than 40 percent is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine condition as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability due to lack of causal relationship between the conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis of the spine is secondary to her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle degenerative arthritis are denied as they are already at the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent from June 12, 2022. The rating was granted as the condition has been manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding private treatment records that may be pertinent to the Veteran's claims on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and an examination of the appellant's neck condition. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather a request for clarification on whether his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disability is secondary to his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. The examiner must consider the impact of the Veteran's other conditions on his left knee.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected acquired scoliosis of the thoracic spine was denied. Her claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and one issue regarding a TDIU prior to September 12, 2019. The main reasons for remanding are to obtain missing separation examination records and provide retrospective VA medical opinions on range of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is due to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and multiple joint and back conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since June 23, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, vision loss (claimed as vision loss), left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and a condition manifested by a sore throat.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left achilles tendonitis is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The Board also grants the Veteran a TDIU from March 20, 2015.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 2, 2014 due to inadequate examinations conducted during flare-ups or after repetition over time. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address his knee and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure to follow previous directives and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for a proper medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical evidence and a retrospective examination to assess the severity of his left knee condition. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with the remanded matters.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include psychiatric disorders, a back disability, and a right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.

Service connection is granted for left ankle degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and right knee degenerative arthritis.,Service connection is also granted for obstructive sleep apnea and Meniere's disease.