Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spondylolisthesis was denied, with his appeal being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The issue of service connection for a sleep disorder other than insomnia disorder is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no evidence of a back injury in service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, neck, left arm, left finger, and back disorders were not incurred in or caused by service. The disorders were not aggravated by, proximately due to or the result of service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and reduction of his rating are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence since the February 2020 Statement of Case.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, with no higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's left knee instability was not factually ascertainable prior to June 5, 2018. The effective date for the separate rating will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for neck disability and entitlement to TDIU prior to May 31, 2017 due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran is required to undergo an adequate VA examination that includes estimates for repetitive-use over time and flare-ups with corresponding rationales.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease or injury during service and that the current condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear. The Board also found that the condition is not secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for panic disorder and GERD, as well as his claim for service connection for a right knee condition due to outstanding private treatment records not being obtained. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, an initial increased rating for avulsion fracture talus with degenerative arthritis of the right foot, and an initial increased rating for left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee condition, joint pain (claimed as polyarthritis), and low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are MUCMIs.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is remanded due to conflicting findings regarding functional loss during flare-ups. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to December 3, 2019 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from 30% to 10%, but the rating is now restored. Service connection for a right hip disability and low back disability as secondary to his right knee disability are granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates related to cervical spine degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder strain have been REMANDED.,No specific effective date is being granted or denied in this decision.