Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance and that the current condition is etiologically related to active service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and papilla beginning October 12, 2016. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is rated as 10 percent effective July 6, 2017. The Board has also remanded the issues of atopic dermatitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for tinea corporis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an effective date prior to January 24, 2020, for service connection of left knee strain with degenerative arthritis. The case is remanded for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

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

The Board has granted service connection for left tibia and/or fibula fracture, left ankle tendonitis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation with degenerative arthritis. These conditions are all determined to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbar spine condition has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine, with right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his service-connected left knee residuals of ACL tear with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injury and have continued since then.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 50 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The Board has denied increased ratings for both conditions.

The Veteran's preexisting pes planus disability was aggravated by service, and the Board granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, to include plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis of the feet.

The Veteran's polyosteoarthritis to include bilateral shoulders, sternum, sternoclavicular joints, lower costochondral junction, left hip, bilateral knees and bilateral feet was granted service connection.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lower back and right knee conditions. The Veteran's claims for headaches and left foot skin condition are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis. The issues of service connection for left ankle disorder, low back disorder, and left hip disorder are remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion using the but-for causation standard.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,A rating of 20 percent for left knee shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) with knee strain and knee joint osteoarthritis is granted from March 31, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ED, left hip arthritis, and right hip disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's ED is not compensable as there is no evidence of a penis deformity. Service connection for left hip and right hip disabilities are also remanded as the VA examiner's opinion was inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and benefits related to his service-connected knee conditions, PTSD, housebound status, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Veteran's back disability is granted as secondary to service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 20 percent rating for instability is granted. The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for TBI and increased ratings for other conditions.