Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions are remanded due to the need for additional VA examination records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent prior to May 18, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spondylosis with bilateral radiculopathy and degenerative disc disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent for painful limitation of flexion and a separate 10 percent rating for painful limitation of extension since March 17, 2017. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on instability or other service connection theories.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and Adjustment Disorder) is granted as related to his service. His degenerative arthritis of the spine is also granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective October 29, 2018.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to deficiencies in a previous VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination for his lumbar spine disability, which may also provide information relevant to the radiculopathy issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete compliance with previous remand instructions and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations by orthopedic spine surgeons and a VA psychiatrist.

The Veteran's right ankle degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected. The issues of right knee and right wrist disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his right heel disability was denied, while he was granted TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, insomnia secondary to PTSD, TBI, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine require additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve, and right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for an examination. The issue of service connection for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to her satisfaction with the grant of benefits and request for withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right hip conditions, finding that he was already receiving the maximum schedular rating available under the applicable codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, for his lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the right wrist, status/post fusion, was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to new evidence provided by the Veteran during a hearing. The VA will obtain and review all relevant treatment records, conduct examinations, and determine the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is service-connected as it was shown to have been present in service and continued thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and restored the 10 percent rating for right knee osteoarthritis. The reduction in the evaluation of right knee osteoarthritis was found to be improper.