Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if she has unfavorable ankylosis of her spine, including the functional equivalent thereof.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to September 13, 2019, and in excess of 50 percent after that date has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss due to exposure to hazardous noise during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating determinations due to a lack of VA examiners' CVs, as well as scheduling issues with previous examinations. The Veteran will be provided with new VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from June 4, 2015 to July 12, 2022.,The Veteran's PTSD with Persistent Depressive Disorder was denied an increased rating from July 12, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Lumbosacral Strain with Degenerative Arthritis, Spondylosis, and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) was denied an increased rating from December 28, 2016 to September 9, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.,The Veteran's Right Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 to June 27, 2022.,The Veteran's Left Knee Meniscus Tear/Repair and Residual Osteoarthritis was denied an increased rating from November 1, 2013 forward.,The Veteran's Left Knee Symptomatic Residuals of Semilunar Cartilage Removal was denied an increased rating from September 9, 2022 forward.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for hallux valgus and osteoarthritis of the left and right first metatarsophalangeal joints have been dismissed as the Veteran timely opted into the modernized appeals process under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Board denied service connection for left ankle osteoarthritis, sinus tarsi syndrome of the left foot, and right fifth metatarsal base arthritis (small toe) as not related to active service or secondary to a service-connected condition.,The Veteran's current diagnoses were not found to be causally linked to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of extension and instability, is now rated at 10 percent for the period prior to May 13, 2022, and at 30 percent thereafter. The dislocated semilunar cartilage condition is also rated at 20 percent effective from May 13, 2022.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the Veteran's current need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs regular assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, feeding, and attending to personal hygiene.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed disabilities, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and unspecified autoimmune disorder, which he contends are related to exposure to ionizing radiation at Camp Lejeune. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions on whether these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's right hand index finger disability is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is granted a 20 percent rating from December 1, 2015 to April 25, 2017 and denied any higher rating thereafter. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted the highest available schedular rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is denied any higher rating. The Veteran's service-connected digestive conditions are denied any higher rating. The Veteran's left ankle disability is denied any higher rating.

The Board has found that the matter must be remanded again for substantial compliance with the previous remand. The Veteran's VA Mountain Home Health Care records from November 2003 to October 2017 are missing, and an addendum medical opinion is needed regarding the right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis was granted a 20% rating effective April 25, 2016. The right knee osteoarthritis remains at a 30% rating from June 4, 2018 to June 26, 2018.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for compensation and evaluations of various knee and foot conditions, as well as a claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA medical treatment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and major depressive disorder due to inadequate examination reports. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left foot, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. The conditions are related to in-service injuries and symptoms.

The Board has found that the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) did not substantially comply with prior remand directives and has ordered further development for an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for respiratory and cervical spine disabilities, as well as increased ratings for his low back and lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeals are now pending again due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and an undiagnosed illness (claimed as fatigue). The Veteran's bilateral hand disability other than the right little finger contusion mallet finger is also remanded. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral shoulders remains in dispute.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of current diagnosis meeting VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is granted service connection.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for a right testicle disability, including right hydrocele, related to his active service.