Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the combined disability rating of 40 percent from March 29, 2012, through February 21, 2021, was properly calculated. The increase in rating for the right foot disability did not result in additional compensation from March 29, 2012, through February 21, 2021, and backpay is not warranted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 7, 2020.,Initial ratings of 20 percent are granted for the left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve involvement, also effective October 7, 2020.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for right hand finger, osteoarthritis of the left foot, cholelithiasis, and right shoulder as they are not related to service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that there was no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD and dismissed the appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional opinions regarding secondary service connection for left knee arthritis, as new theories of entitlement were presented in a recent appeal. The Veteran's representative noted that his back and right knee problems likely affected his left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him totally unable to obtain and sustain substantially gainful employment from August 16, 2019, to June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, and his low back condition and sleep apnea are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left shoulder condition is remanded for further development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and an addendum opinion to address whether any current left shoulder disability clearly and unmistakably preexisted service.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU from May 30, 2014, forward due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the combined effects of his back disability and other conditions prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for his service-connected degenerative arthritis, with degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, spinal stenosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen her claims.,The Veteran is still required to provide additional evidence to substantiate her claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his lumbar spine disorder is granted from March 31, 2014. The Board has remanded the claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee limitation of extension due to inadequate medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeals of his ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals in July 2020.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of residuals of an insect bite, gastrointestinal disability characterized by abdominal pains, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, respiratory disability, right ankle disability, bilateral foot disability, and increased rating for chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis of the right knee have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further development, including obtaining an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hip osteoarthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left foot degenerative arthritis, and hallux valgus due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a knee disability, including whether it is caused or aggravated by his lumbar spine disability. The case requires further examination and opinion to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's current knee conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his tinnitus claim is dismissed. His vertigo and back condition are granted with service connection, but the multiple joint pain claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.