Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities, finding that they are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination opinions are not adequate to decide the claims and has ordered additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and requesting an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that his range of motion was limited to 55 degrees flexion and zero degrees extension without ankylosis or other severe impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating prior to November 29, 2012, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for right acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, status post distal clavicle resection with dislocation. The claims are also remanded for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to July 15, 2019, and after November 1, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of the Veteran's lumbar spine conditions, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and an expert opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability and other conditions prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-hand disability, including osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, and peripheral neuropathy, finding that it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, left great toe disability, hammer toes, and low back disability are all granted. The right shoulder disability, headaches, and sleep apnea issues are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings and increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding VA or private treatment records and undertake additional development if necessary.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to the lack of credible evidence establishing an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's assertions about experiencing injuries during her assault were not found to be credible.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of back, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform sedentary employment despite his knee and hip conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and intervertebral disc syndrome has been granted. Service connection is also granted for hypertension. The issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound are being remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability and limitation of flexion, does not warrant a higher rating as the evidence shows that his range of motion is consistently within normal limits or only slightly reduced.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left knee disability is secondary to his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis and lumbosacral sprain, as well as whether it was caused or aggravated by these conditions. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining this information.