Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as the Veteran passed away before a final decision could be made.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left hip was denied. The highest schedular rating allowed under law (30 percent) has been granted effective August 20, 2019.

The Veteran's sinusitis and back disability ratings have been denied prior to January 10, 2018. The Veteran's lumbar strain and degenerative changes are being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran is seeking a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities but the period before January 10, 2018 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with stenosis, depressive disorder and anxiety, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spondylosis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spondylosis is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal for an increased rating of 30 percent or higher for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, which was previously adjudicated in a July 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prediabetes, allergic rhinitis, helicobacter pylori, hypertension, osteoarthritis, a back disability (secondary to bilateral foot disability), and right and left knee disabilities. The effective dates were not addressed as they are not relevant to the disposition.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective December 15, 2011. The right knee disability has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives and the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left total knee arthroplasty, finding that the condition was aggravated by his service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient range of motion findings and potential flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability had its onset during active service, and therefore grants his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to inadequate medical evidence and outstanding VA records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle has been dismissed as his claim was granted in a prior rating decision. The cases for left ankle and knee degenerative arthritis, along with right knee residuals, are remanded.

The Veteran's increased ratings for migraine headaches and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome have been denied.,For migraine headaches, a rating in excess of 30 percent has not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and presumptive service connection for acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis of the right shoulder as a chronic disease due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between his in-service injury and current diagnoses, and failure to demonstrate chronicity and continuity of symptomatology post-service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment at any pertinent point prior to his death. The claim for a TDIU due to the late Veteran’s service-connected disabilities, to include on an extra-schedular basis, must be denied.

The Board has restored a 20% rating for right knee instability from March 1, 2012. The Veteran's left knee is granted a separate 10% rating for instability.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and left upper extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also being remanded as part of this process.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis and sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service.