Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip post-traumatic osteoarthritis, finding that it is related to an in-service injury during combat duty.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, ganglioneuroma, and lumbar strain is denied as he does not have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was reopened and granted.,Service connection was granted for degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome as secondary to lumbar strain, but not for shortness of breath.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, which is a separate issue from his diagnosed bilateral degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.,For the period prior to September 14, 2017, the Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica) has been rated at 20 percent and remains unchanged.,For the period starting March 5, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica) was denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate range of motion testing in her most recent VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left knee, shoulder and wrist disabilities received separate decisions with specific findings on disability levels.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied. The right great toe gout claim is dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited extension to 20 degrees, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis with degenerative meniscal tear and left knee osteoarthritis with degenerative meniscal tear, finding that the Veteran developed these conditions in service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is not found to be related to his right foot conditions, including flat foot, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, and degenerative arthritis. The Board denied service connection for these conditions as secondary to his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to September 20, 2021. The Board remanded the issue of rating in excess of 40 percent for the entire appeal period and also remanded the claim for increased rating for cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbar condition is granted service connection as it is at least in equipoise that the disability was incurred during his military service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a supplemental medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy and potential secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction and constipation.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition, including degenerative arthritis, DDD, spinal fusion, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and residuals from post-spinal fusion, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, finding that the Veteran's statements of continuous symptoms since service are credible and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, and lumbar spine disabilities have been denied as not incurred in or related to service.,Service connection for asthma and a respiratory disability other than asthma is remanded due to potential exposure to particulate matter during service.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, status-post fusion is granted. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 40 percent for this condition is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination opinions regarding the Veteran's arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis of multiple joints. New medical opinions are needed from a rheumatologist or physician.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to February 17, 2020 and denied throughout the appeal. The left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent prior to February 17, 2020 and denied throughout the appeal. Service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and tinnitus are granted.