Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to procedural defects. The RO must obtain updated VA medical records, issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case, and adjudicate the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU due to outstanding treatment records and additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ED, left hip arthritis, and right hip disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's ED is not compensable as there is no evidence of a penis deformity. Service connection for left hip and right hip disabilities are also remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits related to his service-connected knee conditions, PTSD, housebound status, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Board has denied a higher initial rating for Achilles tendonitis and degenerative arthritis of the right heel, finding that the disability does not result in marked limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine, with right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted as of January 27, 2011 due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral crepitus is related to her in-service complaints of left knee pain and results in functional impairment.,Her current left knee osteoarthritis did not cause or contribute to her right knee joint osteoarthritis, which clearly and unmistakably existed prior to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left shoulder arthritis. The AOJ must obtain an adequate medical opinion that addresses the Veteran's diagnosed conditions before returning this matter to the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the claims for increased ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip dysplasia as secondary to her service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that her hip condition was aggravated by her knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right knee disability and right knee scar are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current nature and severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hands. The AOJ is required to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide an addendum opinion addressing whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to incomplete information regarding his employment history, SSA benefits, and worker's compensation.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's current condition resulted from an injury suffered in service. The decision concludes that a relationship between the current disability and service can be established.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome, finding that his symptoms began during service and have persisted since then.