Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability to include osteoarthritis and total knee replacement residuals, finding that the right knee disability caused an altered gait leading to left knee arthritis. The issue of service connection for multiple joint arthritic disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Service connection for residuals of heat stroke has been granted.

The Veteran's initial increased rating claim for a right knee disability is denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is granted as presumptively related to service exposure to burn pits and other toxins. The right knee osteoarthritis claim was denied, but the acquired psychiatric disorders received initial compensable ratings and a TDIU grant. A left knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted with a 20% rating from December 20, 2012 to December 11, 2018. The claim for higher ratings for the low back and bilateral foot disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's right knee and left hip conditions, as well as a recurrent sleep disability (obstructive sleep apnea), have been granted service connection. The Veteran's left hip condition is related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot condition, including hammer toe, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis. The decision finds that the Veteran's current left foot problems began during service due to strenuous duties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied in a previous decision. New evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim, and the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine disorder and lumbar spine disorder, both diagnosed as degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's right lower extremity neurological disorder was also granted on a secondary basis to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss was denied due to the Veteran's Maryland CNC Word List speech recognition score being at Level I in the left ear.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The left knee disability claim is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Board granted service connection for a right hip disability (diagnosed as osteoarthritis and trochanteric pain syndrome) based on the Veteran's in-service injury during his active duty in Vietnam. The other issues were remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability and whether it is related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at 40 percent, effective June 28, 2022.,Service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies secondary to the Veteran's lumbosacral strain was granted effective April 22, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine is being remanded due to incomplete examination findings and functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, including whether it is related to her service-connected left knee disability.