Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability and osteoarthritis of the left knee with limitation of motion due to a request for the credentials of the November 2019 VA examiner, concerns about the qualifications of the examiner, and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine, with segmental instability and degenerative arthritis (claimed as a back condition) and right lower sciatic radiculopathy due to additional VA treatment records being added to the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left hand disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions. The case is also remanded for a determination on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right leg disability.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were denied. The right forearm limitation of extension claim is pending with a remand to determine if it warrants an earlier effective date prior to December 21, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo further examination to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine condition, and an assessment of his functional limitations on employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's right knee instability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right knee instability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings and TDIU has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including recent medical records from Olympia Orthopedic Associates. The Veteran is also required to complete a VA Form 21-8940 and provide information about his employment history.

The Board has determined that additional research and development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to hazardous chemicals while stationed at Fort McLellan, which may be related to her skin cancer of the nose, erythematous rash, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, and osteoarthritis. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of effective date, disability rating, and TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder dislocation with rotator cuff tear remains on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including osteoarthritis, finding that there was no increase in severity during service and concluding that the pre-existing condition did not worsen beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his employment as a chaplain/civil servant with the U.S. Army, and he has not provided sufficient information regarding his current employment status.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for her low back disability was dismissed because she did not file a timely substantive appeal in response to the June 2021 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) that denied entitlement to an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to ongoing development of medical records and examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate retrospective medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to June 16, 2020.

The Board has vacated the May 12, 2021 decision and remanded for consideration of additional evidence related to right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability and associated radiculopathies are now rated at 20 percent effective June 12, 2017. The right leg-length discrepancy is not compensable, and the left and right ankle disabilities are each rated at 10 percent.