Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS were denied. The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause, leading to a denial of these claims. The effective date claim was also remanded as it had not been addressed in the AOJ's decision.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5201 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher rating as flexion and abduction are both measured from zero to 120 degrees in the August 2019 VA examination.,The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, which is also the maximum schedular rating available under DC 5259 for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding increased ratings for her hip disabilities and vocal cord disorder, as well as her service connection claim for cervical spine disability. The Veteran withdrew her appeal in September 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left wrist and chronic low back strain due to inadequate examination reports that did not address the Veteran's reported flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH), special home adaptation (SHA) grant, and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to unclear extent of service-connected disabilities affecting daily activities.

The Veteran's left knee joint osteoarthritis has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded his claim for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided is inadequate and requires further action, including obtaining additional service treatment records and providing an addendum opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure (cardiac disorder), lumbar spine disorders, hip disorders, and knee disorders. The Board found that the current diagnoses were not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hand and left hand, finding that the Veteran's prolonged use of a cane due to his service-connected knees and right ankle disabilities caused or aggravated his bilateral hand osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left foot disability was denied. The Board also remanded the claim for TDIU due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis of other joints, including neck, shoulders, left hip, hands, and feet, are related to his service-connected conditions. The claims for these conditions have been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis have been granted. The Board found the evidence in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the record and remands several issues for further review, including service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a now service-connected back disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also considered service connected.,The decision does not specify any particular exposure basis or indicate that the appeal was related to the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine disability, finding that it is related to injuries sustained during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back and knee conditions, did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 22, 2018.

The Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is granted as service connection was established due to aggravation during active service.,Service connection for a low back disability, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is remanded.,Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is remanded.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, is remanded.