Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding increased ratings for several disabilities and service connection claims, including for headaches, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, a left knee condition, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee osteoarthritis, limitation of flexion, degenerative disc disease with strain, and upper extremity radiculopathy due to inconsistencies in the October 2019 VA examination report. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant treatment records and schedule new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for evaluation of service-connected cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to changes in symptoms since the last VA examination, including new seizures related to the conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to unclear VA treatment records and the need to clarify the Veteran's ratings based on different diagnostic codes used throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical spine and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to assess the severity of his disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and bilateral knee conditions were not incurred in or related to service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left ankles, as well as his claim for a TDIU based on service-connected lumbar spine disability, are being remanded to allow for additional development.,Specifically, the Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability. Additionally, he should be asked to provide private treatment records from Dr. Crawford/Norton Leatherman.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his right knee and hip conditions, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. As such, he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's IVDS with degenerative arthritis is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than or equal to 30 degrees, resulting in a denial of an increased rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of entitlement to an effective date earlier than November 8, 2013, for the award of service connection for right knee strain. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD due to MST) is granted. The issues of rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and left foot plantar fasciitis, service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, service connection for left arm bicep tendonitis, service connection for left knee strain, service connection for sinusitis, service connection for sleep apnea, and finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are all remanded.

The Veteran's clothing allowance claims for topical hemorrhoid medication and capsaicin and lidocaine cream in 2015 have been denied due to lack of evidence showing irreparable damage to outer garments.,VA determined that the medications prescribed for knee conditions did not meet the criteria for a clothing allowance as they were not used for skin conditions.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis were not found to warrant a higher rating prior to April 2, 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to new evidence received that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for PTSD, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson's Disease, and Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine.

The Veteran's initial rating of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis is denied as his disability does not warrant a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion and other symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including earlier effective dates and increased ratings. The cause of death is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's bilateral hand rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis disability has worsened, leading to a remand for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions, including regarding SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the May 2015 VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and evaluations to assess the severity of his service-connected coronary artery disease, surgical scars, left ankle disability, and left knee disorder. The issues are related to the evaluation and service connection aspects of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding his right elbow, wrist, and shoulder disabilities. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for the right elbow disability, as well as service connection for the right wrist and shoulder disabilities, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.