Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for toe residuals and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of moderate or more severe foot injury, and there were no service-connected disabilities that rendered him unable to work.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the hands, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right ankle condition has been dismissed due to the appellant's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with this case.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and a compensable rating for right foot hallux valgus.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for increased evaluations and service connection. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's right knee medial instability and lumbosacral spine disability have been granted increased ratings, with the right knee receiving a 20% rating. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine and upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but granted separate ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and left foot hallux valgus. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a back disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disorder, other than residuals of fractures of the second and third metacarpals of the right hand, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between the current diagnosis and service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right wrist disability and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's symptoms, including pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities throughout the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate examination and need for clarification on retrospective range of motion estimates.

The Veteran's service connection for OSA as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder is granted. The appeal seeking restoration of a 20% rating for lumbar spine disorder, effective May 1, 2018, is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% rating for his right middle finger condition is denied as the increase in severity was not factually ascertainable within one year of his July 30, 2014 claim.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, neck, and foot disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to have been incurred during his military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 30, 2016 for a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's back disability. The claim for increased rating is granted as it meets the criteria for a higher rating since that date. However, the claim for TDIU was denied due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not meeting the threshold requirement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a preexisting condition, and that the current diagnosis is not related to service or any in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic sinusitis with allergic rhinitis was denied, while his claim for a 20 percent rating for plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis throughout the claims period was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the complexity of his medical history and the need for further examination to differentiate between symptoms attributable to his left ankle disability and other service-connected or non-service-connected conditions.