Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to November 19, 2015.

The Board has dismissed the claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings for the left ankle scar, left wrist scar, left ankle disability, and left knee disability. The cases are being remanded for further evaluation of the Veteran's left knee, left wrist, and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities, including hip, ankle, foot, and back conditions. The appeals are being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome, previously rated as myofascial lumbar strain to the paraspinal muscles bilaterally, prior to September 1, 2020, is dismissed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher ratings in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dental trauma, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and degenerative arthritis of the right hand and wrist have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.,Service connection for arthritis of the bilateral shoulders is denied due to lack of in-service or post-service medical evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities, along with his depressive disorder, render him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development and clarification of evidence regarding the Veteran's employment status prior to July 16, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities, including left and right total knee replacements. The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to properly assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has restored service connection for right and left ankle osteoarthritis and strain, and granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the back and knees is not related to service, including herbicide exposure or secondary to his PTSD. The skeletal arthritis claim remains pending as it lacks a clear opinion on whether it is due to herbicide exposure or PTSD.,The Veteran's hypertension claim also remains pending as there are no adequate opinions regarding its relationship to service, specifically herbicide exposure or PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a back disability due to inadequate examination in June 2021. The Veteran's statements and service records indicate possible onset during service, but an adequate VA examination is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, including acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine and foot disabilities are remanded due to the need for further medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability as the evidence did not show a current disability was related to active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate medical examinations in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the claim for an increased rating for spondylolisthesis with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine due to receipt of additional relevant VA medical records that have not been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for reactive depression, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) have been withdrawn or reopened. The cases are now remanded for further development.,Service connection remains pending for the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous remand directives regarding the severity of the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine prior to September 22, 2015. The case is now pending for further consideration.

The Veteran's right hand fracture resulting in first metacarpal joint osteoarthritis (dominant) is rated at 10 percent from December 12, 2014. Service connection for sarcoidosis is granted.