Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his low back disability was denied, and the effective date for the assigned rating was determined to be October 11, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's service from May 2, 2019 to October 16, 2019 in determining whether his left hip disability was aggravated during that period. The Veteran is requested to provide a new VA opinion regarding this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The condition is considered proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities.,SMC at the housebound rate prior to June 1, 2019 is denied as she does not meet the criteria for this benefit.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for anxiety disorder NOS, left knee strain with osteoarthritis, and left ankle strain with degenerative arthritis. The Board finds that an updated VA examination is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,The Veteran also seeks increased ratings for his service-connected anxiety disorder NOS, left knee strain with osteoarthritis, and left ankle strain with degenerative arthritis. The Board finds that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current level of severity of these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee condition and OSA, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 9, 2017 for the award of a TDIU and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C., Chapter 35.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis status post arthroscopy was rated at 10 percent for extension and flexion, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to functional loss from pain during flare-ups.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. A VA examination or addendum opinion is required to address the Veteran's reported flare-ups and provide estimated ranges of motion during these periods.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative osteoarthritis and strain, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and cervical spine condition, secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis, subacromial bursitis, tenosynovitis, and labral tear, finding that these conditions are related to his in-service duties of carrying heavy rucksacks and artillery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative arthritis and lumbar spine conditions, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since February 27, 2018. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for prostate cancer and TDIU prior to February 27, 2018.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, and he has worked full-time despite his knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as his major depressive disorder and left shoulder disability limit his employment options.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left knee strain were denied.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions was remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and insufficient evidence, including VA treatment records indicating arthritic changes in the Veteran's left foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and strain are service-connected, as his current conditions can be traced back to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemochromatosis of the right upper extremity have been dismissed due to a withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.