Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as his IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are all remanded for further development.,Specifically, a new VA examination is needed to evaluate the current extent and severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran also needs an updated VA examination for his IVDS and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand degenerative arthritis is related to an in-service injury and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's insomnia disorder and adjustment disorder are rated at 30 percent effective February 12, 2015.,The Veteran's lumbar spine condition is not rated higher than 10 percent prior to September 19, 2022 and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran withdrew his claims of service connection for all listed conditions.

The Veteran's right total knee replacement with advanced osteoarthritis is rated at 60 percent for the period from April 1, 2019, to August 14, 2022. The appeal for a higher rating in excess of 60 percent for this condition is denied. A compensable disability rating (10%) is granted for his scar, status post total knee replacement associated with right total knee replacement with advanced osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was previously rated at 20 percent prior to November 8, 2022 and denied a higher rating. From that date, the condition is now rated at 40 percent.,From November 8, 2022 onwards, the Veteran's right knee instability has been granted a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis and ACL tear, as well as left knee instability, due to a lack of examination addressing functional impairment during flare-ups and the impact on symptoms from VA doctors recommending knee replacement.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected.,For the entire rating period on appeal, a 40 percent rating for lumbar spine disability is granted. However, beginning May 29, 2014, a higher rating than 40 percent is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, due to his service-connected right ankle disability. The decision finds that the Veteran's right ankle disability is a proximate cause of his left knee arthritis.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as it has been over five years since the last examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis, right knee instability, and left knee postoperative degenerative symptoms of the meniscus have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of the Veteran's pharynx or larynx disability, as well as her right hip osteoarthritis. The VA must provide additional clarification on these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis with impingement, bilateral pes planus, metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis was denied due to lack of a nexus to military service. The Board found no new and material evidence since the final December 1997 rating decision that could substantiate her claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee conditions have been denied. The highest rating of 30% has been granted for the cartilage impairment, but the other conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis with shoulder strain is granted as service-connected, and the initial disability rating for PTSD has been increased to 100 percent.,The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for polyarthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's condition began during active service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and incomplete medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a head injury, tinnitus, and neck disability due to the lack of evidence supporting an in-service event or injury.,No medical nexus was established between any of these conditions and military service.