Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun during active service and granted.,His bilateral hearing loss and osteoarthritis of the right knee are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, and their combined impact on his employability prior to October 4, 2018.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are granted. The Board has remanded for additional examinations to determine if the Veteran's claimed left hip and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to duty-to-assist errors and new evidence added during a period when it was not allowed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for left foot hallux rigidus. The remaining issues have been remanded, including service connection for bilateral hand, ankle, hip, and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings and service connection. The rating in excess of 20 percent for left foot disability remains denied, with the case being remanded.,Service connection is also being remanded for right wrist, bilateral shoulder, and right hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including osteoarthritis, has been reopened. However, the Board denied the claim as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current left knee disability and his in-service injury.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, as the current evaluations are inadequate due to missing range of motion assessments.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 22, 2019 is remanded due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion on her employability.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is being remanded due to the combined effects of his service-connected PTSD, right knee degenerative arthritis, and non-service-connected left foot drop. Further examination is needed to distinguish between the effects of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to April 12, 2017. The remaining issues related to bladder or bowel disorder and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and GERD due to inadequate nexus opinions. Additional evidence, including hyperlinked articles submitted by the Veteran's representative, must be considered. An addendum opinion or examination is needed from a different examiner who can address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% from April 20, 2013.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected low-back disability since April 20, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is related to his active military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent from June 21, 2017.,Right knee instability is granted at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and need for clarification of the Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left hand condition, including severe osteoarthropathy, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right-hand disability and granted an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for myoglobinuria with rhabdomyolysis. The right hand condition is not related to his active-duty service, while the myoglobinuria with rhabdomyolysis has been symptomatic.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and musculoskeletal conditions, have precluded her from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the entirety of the appeal period. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are granted. His obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric conditions. Right knee degenerative arthritis, right knee strain, and right knee meniscal tear are all granted. Left knee degenerative arthritis and left knee strain are granted. Low back disabilities are granted. The Veteran's lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. His bilateral plantar fasciitis rating from December 3, 2019, is increased to 50%.