Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure. The left knee, bilateral thumb condition, low back condition, and left foot condition are all remanded for further examination and opinion. Service connection for GERD is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for her service-connected knee disabilities is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for an opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on her knee symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 1, 2022.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that his right knee extension was not limited to greater than 20 degrees and his right knee flexion was not limited to fewer than 90 degrees during the period beginning December 12, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various joint disabilities, including right shoulder glenohumeral degenerative arthritis, left shoulder glenohumbral degenerative arthritis, bilateral hand osteoarthritis, and bilateral knee, wrist, back, elbow, and hip disabilities manifested by pain are granted. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and lumbar disc herniation, finding that it had its onset during service.

The Veteran's right ankle fracture with osteoarthritis and left ankle arthritis are granted increased disability ratings, while the left knee degenerative arthritis postoperative residuals remain denied.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine (claimed as low back pain) is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to these conditions is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person as he is unable to perform daily activities independently due to his physical impairments.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip, left hip, and kidney disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding range of motion findings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2015. The claim for an increased rating remains on appeal.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was granted a separate 10 percent rating effective January 31, 2022.

Service connection for limitation of extension of left knee is restored, effective September 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder and right knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the current ratings of 20 percent for the left shoulder and 10 percent for the right knee are appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. Service connection was also established for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and trauma-related disorder. The Veteran's back disability is now rated at 40 percent from January 24, 2022.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease, right arm ulnar sensory neuropathy, and right ankle sprain with instability and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with its previous remand directives, specifically regarding the Veteran's lay statements about his back injury.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, and the appeal must be returned for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for a disorder claimed as degenerative arthritis was denied because the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The Veteran's arthritis diagnoses were found to be unrelated to his military service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and low back pain were also denied as the evidence did not support a finding that they began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis with residuals of right knee anterior cruciate ligament repair has been rated at 10 percent since June 23, 2015. The current rating is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.