Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the current conditions. The Board also found that the condition did not manifest within one year after service and is not otherwise etiologically related to any in-service event.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to their collective impact, as he can still perform the physical and mental acts required by most jobs.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is related to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran has a diagnosis of degenerative arthritis and DDD other than IVDS of the cervical spine, which he experienced symptoms since service. The issue was granted as direct service connection.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted service connection. The left ankle osteoarthritis with anterior and lateral instability is granted a 20% rating effective December 12, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy as secondary to service-connected left lateral elbow epicondylitis. The right upper extremity and cervical spine issues remain remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to incomplete records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disabilities, diagnosed as posttraumatic chronic lumbosacral sprain and strain with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, and herniated nucleus pulposus. The issues of increased ratings for left knee disability prior to September 8, 2014, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter, and chondromalacia of the right knee are remanded. The issue of TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent from October 31, 2018 to June 13, 2021. The initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis and stenosis of the spine has been denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion and tendinopathy (instability) has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral feet was denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or occasional incapacitating exacerbations, and the highest possible rating under the old criteria (10%) has been assigned.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of left knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation than 10 percent, as the flexion limitation is at most to 120 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.

Service connection has been granted for a cervical spine disability and headaches. Other service connection claims are being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, as well as for vocal cord paralysis post anterior cervical fusion, both conditions being found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.,VA treatment records since November 2018 must be obtained. The Veteran may also need to provide authorization for non-VA medical facilities where he has received treatment for these conditions.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have worsened, and he is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claims for lower back condition, respiratory/sinus condition, and bilateral shoulder conditions are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to a new theory of entitlement raised by the Veteran, contending that his sleep apnea is proximately due to obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities. The VA failed to receive any examinations or opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and failed to determine whether any of these conditions led to the Veteran's obesity which caused or aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the veteran's service-connected conditions, including those for right knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease with lumbar spine issues, left hip strain, and pelvis fracture. The appeal was also dismissed regarding TBI-related headaches and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Board denied increased ratings for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, finding that the Veteran's conditions are currently rated at 10% based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral shoulder disabilities, and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records from Landstuhl Medical Center.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to the need to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) and provide the Veteran with an opportunity to perfect his appeal.