Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, finding that March 29, 2016 is the earliest effective date assignable.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with strain prior to November 10, 2020, is denied as his range of motion and ankylosis do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for degenerative arthritis, status post 5th left finger dislocation was denied by the Board. The evidence did not support a higher rating as there was no limitation of motion in any other joints and the disability is rated under the 'direct' service connection theory.

The Board denied an increased rating for osteoarthritis and disc displacement of the left/right TMJ, maintaining a current rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the medical opinions and need for additional development regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremities due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 23, 2014 for the award of service connection for a right knee disability. The cases regarding higher initial ratings for nephrolithiasis and cervical spine disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ruptured right ear drum and GERD were denied. The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for hip disabilities, including limitation of extension and flexion, were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's headaches were granted as secondary to service-connected sleep apnea.,Service connection was not established for the Veteran's ankle disabilities or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the specified periods, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee joint osteoarthritis does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and there is no reasonable possibility that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability (other than strain) is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions. The Board will obtain relevant treatment records, arrange for an examination, and consider whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, neck, endometriosis, and hysterectomy disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on in-service events or exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, osteoarthritis of the right hip, and degenerative joint disease of the left hip. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability, which was previously rated at 30 percent, is denied as the evidence does not show that he has symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability has been reopened, but the Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Board has dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically left and right knee chondromalacia with patellofemoral osteoarthritis, have been granted a 20 percent rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine, with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis was granted a rating of 40% prior to February 22, 2018, between February 22, 2018 and February 9, 2022, and since February 10, 2022.