Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right hip disabilities due to new evidence received since the July 2011 rating decision. The claims are now remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there is at least approximate balance of evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service injury and current symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's left knee disability, post-total replacement with degenerative arthritis, is rated at 60 percent effective January 17, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left hip osteoarthritis and left knee instability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have precluded her from securing and maintaining a gainful employment as of December 19, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to unresolved issues regarding his character of service, which must be addressed before considering the merits of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 30, 2020. The case is remanded for consideration of extraschedular TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to assess his lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of increased evaluations and TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including range of motion measurements. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as there is no remaining case or controversy regarding the issue of service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's disability existed prior to service and was aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right wrist residuals, including carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a cervical spine disorder was granted with an effective date of April 29, 2014. The Veteran is also denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for his cervical strain to include degenerative arthritis. The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a new opinion regarding a lumbar spine disorder and service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disability and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with stenosis and radiculopathy due to inadequate medical opinions in prior decisions. The Veteran's service connection claims are now pending again.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right hand/arm disorder and his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The decision finds that there is reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim, as his current back conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion and extension was denied. The evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current 10 percent assigned under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each, effective from September 9, 2016. The conditions are rated under the criteria for degenerative arthritis with dislocated cartilage.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and service connection for PTSD. The left and right knees are currently rated as 10% disabling each, but the Veteran asserts entitlement to higher ratings.