Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The appeal as to service connection for hypercholesterolemia is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the previously denied claim of service connection for lumbar strain has been reopened. Service connection for a low back disability (including lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine) is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is being remanded for further review, and his left and right ankle disabilities are granted a 20 percent rating each.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and painful surgical scars, are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee replacement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted. The other claims, including a rating in excess of 30 percent for her psychiatric disorder, are being remanded due to pre-decisional errors.

The Veteran's initial 10% disability ratings for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis were granted, with the effective date being December 1, 2012.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities were granted service connection with an effective date of December 31, 1983.,An earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is denied.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 14, 2014 for the grant of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The effective dates for Dependents' Educational Assistance are also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination and opinion in response to the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability. The RO must schedule an examination and readjudicate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disorder is related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted effective dates of February 5, 2019 for the service connection of degenerative arthritis of the spine (claimed as low back injury), left lower radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and right lower radiculopathy (sciatic nerve). These decisions are subject to the rules and regulations governing the payment of monetary benefits.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a higher disability rating for degenerative arthritis, cervical spine (claimed as neck injury with degenerative joint and disc disease) because the Veteran's representative requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent vision impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is not eligible for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability due to a finality issue. The claim for TDIU is remanded as it is intertwined with the spine rating claim.

The Board has dismissed appeals for higher ratings in several conditions, including PTSD, left foot disability, right foot disability, and service connection for knee and ankle disabilities. The appeal of the claim for vertigo is remanded due to a lack of an examination prior to decision.

The Board has dismissed the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining claims have been REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for DDD of L3-4 with DJD of the lumbar spine is granted.,An initial rating of 30 percent for residuals of vestibular neuritis is granted, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection and higher ratings, finding that an earlier effective date is not warranted based on the September 1, 2022 intent to file form received by VA.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to deficiencies in previous opinions regarding secondary service connection.