Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted service connection, and his bilateral foot fibromatosis is granted an initial increased rating to 30 percent. The shin splints issues are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's lumbar degenerative arthritis and spondylosis are rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic radulopathy is also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine due to new evidence submitted after a prior final rating decision. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed again as there may be a connection between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis, as well as PTSD with antisocial personality disorder with cocaine use disorder in sustained remission and alcohol use disorder in sustained remission, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in medical records and the need for additional opinions regarding his bilateral knee disorders, acquired psychiatric disability, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, neck, left arm, left finger, and back disorders were not incurred in or caused by service. The disorders were not aggravated by, proximately due to or the result of service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for neck disability and entitlement to TDIU prior to May 31, 2017 due to inadequate VA examination findings. The Veteran is required to undergo an adequate VA examination that includes estimates for repetitive-use over time and flare-ups with corresponding rationales.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and reduction of his rating are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence since the February 2020 Statement of Case.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spondylolisthesis was denied, with his appeal being remanded due to insufficient evidence. The issue of service connection for a sleep disorder other than insomnia disorder is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no evidence of a back injury in service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date is not warranted for the grant of a separate 10% rating for left knee instability, as there is no indication of such condition prior to the June 2018 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, with no higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, an initial increased rating for avulsion fracture talus with degenerative arthritis of the right foot, and an initial increased rating for left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from 30% to 10%, but the rating is now restored. Service connection for a right hip disability and low back disability as secondary to his right knee disability are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to tend to basic functions of self-care and required the regular aid and attendance of another individual, leading to a grant of SMC based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate is moot due to the inclusion of this benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for panic disorder, GERD, and service connection for a right knee condition due to outstanding private treatment records not being obtained. The issues remain in appellate status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease or injury during service and that the current condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear. The Board also found that the condition is not secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates are being dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing their appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple cervical spine disabilities, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder strain residuals are being remanded.