Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disabilities were denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's disabilities are rated at 100 percent combined, but the Board finds that he does not meet the threshold requirement for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the complexity of the issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, as well as chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis, were remanded by the Board due to insufficient evidence. The effective date remains August 12, 1999.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea condition, as well as to assess the current severity of his left shoulder rotator cuff syndrome with degenerative arthritis. The Veteran is seeking service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased evaluation for his shoulder disability.

The Veteran's back disability is being remanded for a new examination to assess its current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability to include degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The claims for initial ratings for left knee disability (meniscal impairment) and left hip disabilities were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the spine and radiculopathy were evaluated, with a final rating of 40% for both conditions after July 4, 2020. The claim was denied as no higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has granted a 20% disability evaluation for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis from June 6, 2014 to January 14, 2020. From January 14, 2020 onwards, the claim is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee patellofemoral dysfunction with degenerative arthritis and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions had their onset during active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and chronic disruption of the cruciate ligament, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. He needs an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. He needs an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The appeal is based on his service-connected condition, and he received a 40 percent rating effective September 27, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine and left knee strain due to additional evidence being added to the record.

The Board has granted service connection for mild degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that the Veteran's current back disability had its onset in service and has continued since service. The decision is based on the evidence showing a history of back pain during service and ongoing symptoms post-service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis disability is denied as there was no intent to apply for service connection during the period in question.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to active duty service and aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis and a meniscus condition, is not rated higher than the current assigned ratings of 10 percent for arthritis and 20 percent for the meniscus condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development regarding his service-connected lumbosacral strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right shoulder impingement syndrome, and right lower extremity sciatica.