Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbar strain and osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on range of motion or neurological impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, GERD, right hip osteoarthritis as secondary to service-connected right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to service-connected right knee osteoarthritis due to outstanding VA medical records. The appeals are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action.

The Veteran's left elbow degenerative arthritis has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available for limitation of flexion. The evidence does not show that his condition warrants a higher rating as it consistently shows flexion and abduction to be 70 degrees or more.

The Board denied service connection for sleep disorder, bilateral feet/left ankle disability, and bilateral hand/wrist disability. The low back disability, residuals of uterine fibroids, total hysterectomy, and psychiatric disorder claims are remanded.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, including osteoarthritis and scaphoid fracture, is currently rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left knee osteoarthritis, dorsolumbar back pain with degenerative arthritis, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and GERD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for any condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability other than tinea pedis with tinea unguium, to include degenerative arthritis. The issues of service connection for light sensitivity, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and neck condition are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and IVDS, was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for right shoulder, bilateral wrist, and lumbar spine disabilities is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports that do not account for the functional impact of flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining clinical opinions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was evaluated at a maximum of 10 percent prior to October 27, 2022, and at a maximum of 40 percent from that date.,An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not caused by his military service. The other issues on appeal are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent since March 30, 2020. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of service connection for a neurological condition related to his right shoulder.

The Veteran's initial rating for insomnia disorder has been increased to 50 percent, effective from August 28, 2017. A TDIU was granted from August 28, 2017, until June 24, 2019.

From April 7, 2009 to September 15, 2022, the Veteran's service-connected back disability has been productive of functional limitations that have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,Effective September 15, 2022, a TDIU is granted.

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The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's spine disabilities and their relation to service. The case is returned for further development.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability, but remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulder and hip arthritis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU from June 9, 2009, finding that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims for back condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction.