Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and internal derangement, is currently rated at 10 percent. The separate ratings for meniscal tear (20%) and moderate instability (20%) are granted effective September 23, 2013, and February 24, 2020 respectively.,The Veteran's left knee disability does not warrant a higher rating as the flexion limitation is at most 70 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 5260.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected residuals of right ankle sprain, left foot hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis of the great toe status post bunionectomy, and right foot hallux valgus with bunions. The decision is based on a finding that the Veteran's current back disability is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and instability, is now rated at 60 percent effective February 6, 2020. The Board also granted a TDIU as of that date.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's passing, and no further action can be taken on these claims.

The appeal as to entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with right hand radiculopathy is dismissed. The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted from December 25, 2006 to May 1, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular rating criteria for a TDIU, and his unemployability is due to his chronic pain conditions. The Board grants TDIU from September 15, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal to revise the December 2005 rating decisions for his shoulder disabilities and depressive disorder was dismissed because he withdrew his appeal, and no new evidence or relevant service records were submitted within the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his physical conditions, including knee, hip, and back issues.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative joint disease, finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use of any lower extremity or upper extremity, and thus he does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and tinnitus, but granted service connection for HSV. The low back disorder claim was dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection in a prior decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right lower extremity numbness, left lower extremity numbness, right wrist disability, strain of the left quadriceps, degenerative arthritis of the right hand, a disability of the left foot, low back disability, deformity of the left foot, and right foot plantar fasciitis. The claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 22, 1975, for the grant of service connection for back disability is granted. The appeal to reverse or revise the September 1975 rating decision denying service connection for epiphysitis, L4 with narrowing of disc space based on CUE is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability from February 25, 2020, was denied. The effective date prior to February 25, 2020, for the award of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from April 21, 2018 to January 25, 2021 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions and a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal and the Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck disorder is being remanded due to duty to assist error. The Board will obtain an updated VA examination and medical opinion to address the etiology of his claimed conditions.