Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent, the maximum for degenerative arthritis without limitation of motion or instability. The Board found that his flexion was limited to 120 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a headache disorder.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the left glenohumeral joint (left shoulder arthritis) was also denied because the pre-existing condition at enlistment did not worsen during service and there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 5, 2017 for the award of service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claim was initially denied in October 2019 but reopened and granted on July 5, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder AC joint degeneration and right upper extremity moderate humeral ulnar osteoarthritis as the evidence did not show these conditions began during service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's left hand ring and little finger fracture with ankylosis is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to an injury sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for right shoulder condition, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, and varicose veins of the right lower extremity. As such, these claims are remanded for further development.,The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for right shoulder condition, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, and varicose veins of the right lower extremity. As such, these claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is granted service connection due to an in-service injury during his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis with spondylosis of the lumbar spine (claimed as pain) is granted based on a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. Service connection was also granted for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and sinusitis.

The Veteran's right and left knee meniscal tears with dislocated semilunar cartilage are rated at 20 percent each, effective September 24, 2019. The Veteran's left knee instability is also rated at 10 percent, effective September 24, 2019. However, the lumbosacral strain to include degenerative arthritis of the spine remains denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability (diagnosed as IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the spine) based on evidence showing that it began during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the December 2019 VA examiner's opinion, which did not consider the Veteran's lay statements and other diagnoses. The AOJ should obtain an adequate VA examination for the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is rated at 20 percent, which is continued. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating as there are no incapacitating episodes or forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied.,The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 30% rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was granted. However, her claim for a compensable rating for hyperthyroidism is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her helpless or so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if there are any additional factors contributing to her need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tendonitis and bursitis with labral tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, is related to a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) from October 24, 2017, to October 29, 2017. Service connection for this disability is granted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was received regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for left thumb fracture residuals, a left shoulder disability, and a left foot disability. As such, these claims are being remanded to allow for further review.,Service connection is granted for left ankle osteoarthritis and lumbar disc disease with right radiculopathy (back disability). Service connection is denied for service connection for left thumb fracture residuals, a left shoulder disability, and a left foot disability.