Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

Service connection for PTSD and right ear hearing loss is granted.,Degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee meniscal tear, right ankle lateral ligament sprain, left ankle lateral ligament sprain, and left ear hearing loss are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and completing VA Form 21-4142.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a left foot disability in excess of 20 percent prior to November 3, 2017 is dismissed.,Issues related to service connection and increased ratings are remanded.

The Board has determined that updated medical records and new VA examinations are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected lumbar radiculopathy/neuropathy of the left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Veteran's single service-connected disability (neck and hip conditions) did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 9, 2015. Therefore, his claim for TDIU based on a single service-connected disability was denied.

The Veteran's back, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and left hip condition are all granted on a direct basis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and to provide the Veteran with a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee degenerative arthritis, meniscal tear is being remanded due to the lack of a recent VA examination. The examiner will assess the current severity and provide information on whether a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis and right foot hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service complaints of right foot pain.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the appellant's left elbow disabilities. The VA will schedule a new examination to assess these conditions and provide updated ratings.

Service connection is granted for a musculoskeletal foot disability other than pes planus, including metatarsalgia with metatarsal phalangeal arthritis, hallux valgus, calcaneal spurs, and multiple metatarsus adductus.,Service connection is denied for pes planus. Secondary service connection for neuropathic pain of the bilateral feet is granted.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for left rotator cuff tendinitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, as it represented a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right shoulder conditions, as well as his bilateral knee conditions. The conditions are considered to have had their onset during active service.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for her bilateral knee disabilities, as well as her instability issues. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and stroke residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.