Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability but remanded the case for further development regarding a left foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with osteoarthritis and left knee patella recurrent instability/subluxation have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for clarification regarding when favorable ankylosis began, as well as whether unfavorable ankylosis is present. The examiner must address these issues in their assessment.

The Veteran's L4-5 degenerative disc disease is granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective January 11, 2016. Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and thrombocytopenia are granted. The left knee disability and bilateral ankle disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with spinal stenosis have been reopened. The case is remanded to obtain a new VA examination for both conditions, as well as to obtain updated treatment records and determine if a TDIU should be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee strain with degenerative arthritis and chondromalacia patella, finding that these conditions began in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to September 2, 2020. The combined rating of his conditions was at least 50% but never reached the level required for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right hip osteoarthritis with limitation of extension, flexion, and adduction prior to May 24, 2019 are denied. The current ratings adequately reflect the Veteran's functional limitations.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between current symptoms and in-service events or conditions.

The Board has decided to remand this case due to the need for an updated assessment by a VRC or CP regarding whether the Veteran's vocational goal is reasonably feasible and if changing his goal to pursue a master's or law degree is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, left shoulder condition, right shoulder arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints with lumbar spondylosis, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete development of the record. The issues have been returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease was denied. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disorder and TDIU due to his back disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether her service-connected psychiatric disability may be a contributing factor. The Board also finds that evaluations for her ankle, hip, and back disabilities need to be remanded as well.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and a thoracolumbar spine sprain are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and osteoarthritis, is not related to service. The evidence does not support a link between his current condition and any in-service injury or incident.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for a neck disability, a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for status post lateral meniscus tear of the right knee with degenerative arthritis, and a compensable disability rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with a current numeric designation of Level III.,Service connection for right knee pain and left knee pain is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no persuasive evidence linking the disabilities to service.