Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to June 3, 2021. After that date, his combined permanent and total schedular rating does not allow for additional TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for reducing his left shoulder disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective April 1, 2020, and restoring it back to 40 percent has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error in the May 2024 rating decision. The Veteran's left ankle osteoarthritis is being remanded for an examination that complies with Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (2016).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and potential inextricably intertwined TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and a back disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The appellant's service connection claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has restored service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and radiculopathy left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) as these conditions are found to be at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and meniscectomy residuals, is rated at 20 percent for the entire appeal period. The rating for limitation of flexion remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is denied as there is no evidence that it is related to his military service.,A rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) prior to February 1, 2021, is granted. The Veteran's PFB was treated with systemic therapy including corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for right knee traumatic arthritis is denied, as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for his bilateral foot condition, as it was not adequately addressed in previous VA medical opinions. The claims are being returned to the AOJ/RO for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for the service-connected unspecified depressive disorder is denied. The claims of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, left groin injury (claimed as left thigh muscle stain/pull), and left knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are granted as service-connected, with a 40% rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy effective March 20, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for left hip total arthroplasty, right knee patellofemoral osteoarthritis, and left knee patellofemoral osteoarthritis, all of which are related to the Veteran's in-service parachute injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, right knee disability, unspecified depressive disorder, sciatic nerve radiculopathies, femoral nerve radiculopathies, and tension-migraine headaches have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 5, 2019.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reduction of his right knee osteoarthritis instability disability rating from 10 percent to noncompensable effective July 1, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it was manifested within one year of discharge from service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot, hip, knee, and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, as well as his low back disability. These conditions are deemed to have originated during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea was denied as the earliest claim was filed in February 2019. The Board also remanded claims for service connection of left and right knee conditions.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for sleep apnea was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and knee conditions, do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.