Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to procedural errors. The Board found that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted for his left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted for his left distal fibular fracture.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease was denied in March 2015. The Board found that the earliest effective date allowed under law is May 3, 2016, when the Veteran filed a new claim for his back condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right hip disability, including whether it is related to an in-service injury and whether it is caused or aggravated by service-connected right knee disabilities. The VA must obtain a new opinion on these issues.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, right foot degenerative arthritis, and left foot calcaneal enthesophyte as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 8, 2024 is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence and obtain an addendum medical opinion from the September 2020 VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and left hip disability have been restored to their previous ratings of 40 percent and 10 percent, respectively, effective March 7, 2022.,The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to May 21, 2014 has been remanded. Her DEA eligibility for Chapter 35 benefits is also pending an earlier effective date determination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for right index finger degenerative arthritis, but denied the claim itself due to a finding that the disability was not aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of March 30, 2022 for the Veteran's service connection claims related to left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and right hip osteoarthritis with labrum tear.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is granted service connection.,Service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the cervical spine arthritis is granted.,Service connection for left and right ankle strain, right shoulder strain, and left and right hip strain are all granted.,The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is granted service connection.,Service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the cervical spine arthritis is granted.,Service connection for left and right ankle strain, right shoulder strain, and left and right hip strain are all granted.,The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is granted service connection.,Service connection for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the cervical spine arthritis is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his IVDS with degenerative arthritis is denied. The Board has remanded the issue due to procedural issues and potential new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for left hand posttraumatic arthritis and right hand degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hand and knee degenerative arthritis due to insufficient evidence in STRs or current treatment records, and a new examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis, effective from April 16, 2022. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and his current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbar strain, left wrist condition, and right hand tendinopathy due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability claim should be remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it had its onset in service and whether it is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees, finding that symptoms were chronic in service and continuous since service. The decision is based on presumptive service connection due to a disease listed under 38 C.F.R. § 3.309(a).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine due to a lack of an adequate opinion regarding the relationship between the condition and military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected bilateral knee and right foot disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional examination of her disabilities, including an assessment of flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tension headaches, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because she does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU based on a single service-connected disability, as her right hip disability alone does not qualify. The Board found that multiple of her service-connected disabilities contribute to her difficulty in maintaining substantially gainful employment.