Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to his now service-connected back disability. The decision is based on a finding that there is at least an equipoise of evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, including obtaining retrospective medical opinions regarding their severity.

The Board has remanded the cases of right knee disability and TDIU due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, including incomplete responses regarding nerve or muscle group involvement, inconsistent responses about instability, and failure to address a December 2018 VA primary care note. Another remand is required for an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disorder and right knee disorder have been denied as they are not service-connected. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability is being remanded due to incomplete records. The AOJ must ensure all relevant VA and private treatment records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee instability and degenerative arthritis due to inadequate VA medical examinations and incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further review due to the need to consider the effects of medication on his lumbar spine condition and to address the oversight in referring his TDIU claim to the Director, Compensation Service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was noted at entry into service and aggravated by active service, leading to current foot disorders. Service connection is granted for the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for lower back disability and bilateral foot disability due to inadequate VA opinions and outstanding private medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for her service-connected right knee disability is remanded due to inadequate January 2014 and December 2019 VA examinations. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, and his left knee disability is rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are denied for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional VA opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back disability, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right shoulder disability. The issues are being returned due to inconsistencies in previous opinions and the need for clarification on service connection.

The appeals for service connection and new evidence were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for increased ratings of bilateral pes planus, right shoulder disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for new examinations. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed disabilities of the cervical spine, left and right shoulders, and knees as secondary to his service-connected foot and ankle disabilities due to lack of a causal relationship.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted a 20% disability rating from May 11, 2021 to April 19, 2022. His right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted an initial 20% disability rating during this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left knee and ankle disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim based on need for aid and attendance, are being remanded due to incomplete development. The VA is required to obtain additional medical records, conduct new examinations by orthopedic surgeons or orthopedists, address the impact of the Veteran's conditions on daily activities, and determine if he requires assistance with daily living.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and other foot conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since October 20, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.