Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for left hip arthritis status post arthroplasty with history of SCFE and right knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement. The evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was withdrawn. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's right knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent from September 9, 2015, with a separate 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis with meniscal tear and bursitis. His left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 9, 2015. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a left wrist disorder other than carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability, cervical spine disorder, and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy have been granted increased ratings. Additionally, the Veteran has been granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is secondary to his service-connected left knee strain. The RO must provide copies of all relevant opinions and obtain a new physical examination.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for the rating of thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis, including the issue regarding the reduction in rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to render her unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU. The cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and a rating in excess of 40 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, as well as the TDIU claim due to lack of relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, and right elbow disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification of certain aspects related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including its severity during flare-ups, instability, and whether a brace or assistive device is required.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and degenerative arthritis of the spine as there is no current medical evidence supporting these diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to January 25, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran was able to perform light physical or sedentary work and had a stable income before his unemployment.

The Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with scoliosis prior to February 1, 2018, and TDIU due to service connection disabilities prior to February 1, 2018, are being remanded due to inadequate reasons or bases provided by the Board in its June 2021 decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis status post left knee replacement, finding that it is etiologically related to his period of active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis/posttraumatic arthritis, finding that the Veteran's parachute jumps in active duty likely caused or contributed to his current condition. The claim for a right knee meniscus disability is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a back disability due to deficiencies in the VA examination and lack of substantial compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the lumbar spine condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending and will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The AOJ should provide another opportunity for the Veteran to attend the needed examinations and conduct additional development in conjunction with the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that a new VA medical opinion is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, as the current opinion does not provide an adequate rationale or consider all relevant factors.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability, left ankle disability, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. The conditions are deemed to have been incurred during active duty.