Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's request for a proper orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee conditions, transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals, gastrointestinal symptoms, voiding dysfunction, thalamic pain syndrome of the left side, and acquired psychiatric disorder as a stroke residual, have been denied.,Specifically, the Board found that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities do not warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent based on flexion limitation. The Veteran's transient ischemic attack (stroke) residuals with difficulty chewing and swallowing are rated at 10 percent. Gastrointestinal symptoms with chronic constipation as a stroke residual have been rated noncompensable prior to April 21, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to require SMC based on need for aid and attendance. He is also not housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the hands is granted as service connected, with no specific rating assigned and effective date not determined.

The Veteran was granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, presumptively due to service in Southwest Asia. However, the claim for cervical spine disorders was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.,Service connection was established for allergic rhinitis based on its presumed onset during service.

The Veteran's increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right thigh with 5-inch muscular hernia and right knee involvement is denied. Separate ratings are granted for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage in the right knee and degenerative arthritis of the right hip.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his military service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a low back disability, but the VA examiners provided inconclusive or speculative opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee arthritis, respiratory condition (shortness of breath), bilateral hearing loss, and recurrent tinnitus.,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's right knee disability as secondary to his left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for PTSD and a higher initial rating for asthma. The remaining issues of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disorder, left arm disorder, right leg numbness, left leg numbness, depressive disorder, lumbar myositis (lumbar spine disability), left knee disability, migraine headaches, chronic gastritis, and left foot degenerative arthritis are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right knee disorder, dizziness, migraines, and brain disorder due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis and dislocation, as well as his dental trauma and nerve damage to teeth 7-10. The reasons include the need for more contemporaneous examinations of the Veteran's shoulder conditions and new VA opinions on his dental condition.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's cervical spine and upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to assertions of worsening, as well as the fact that the Veteran did not endorse flare-ups at the May 2021 examination but has endorsed them since. The TDIU claim will also be deferred.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as service treatment records, which need to be obtained in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint/disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and osteoarthritis of the left knee. The Board also found that the previous VA opinions were deficient and requested addendum opinions from an appropriate examiner.

The Board denied service connection for right hand and wrist disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease. Service connection was granted for recognition of C.H. as the helpless child.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, right shoulder and elbow disabilities (both secondary to the service-connected left shoulder disability), cervical spine disability, OSA, and tinnitus. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered service connected.,Service connection was denied for all issues except for tinnitus, which was granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right hip replacement, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, and left shoulder impingement syndrome. The effective date for the award of a 10 percent rating for residuals, fracture transverse processes L3 and L4, right is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and an initial 50 percent rating for PTSD. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during combat, which led to his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incorrect standard used by the January 2022 examiner and a failure to discuss the impact of gait alterations caused by service-connected right ankle and foot disabilities on the Veteran's bilateral knee disability. The claim is being returned for further development.