Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the VA examination report. The examiner must provide an opinion on whether the condition is related to active service, and if it began during service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's scar(s) of the left foot and lower leg are not compensable under current criteria.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis remains remanded as new evidence may be needed to establish this condition.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for residual(s) of left foot fracture; arthritis of the left midfoot and first metatarsophalangeal joint, status post ORIF-screw placement with bone graft is also remanded.

The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that her disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the right knee degenerative arthritis with meniscal tear, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's left ankle condition, painful conditions of the upper extremities, and skin condition are all remanded for further examination and medical opinion.,The Board is unable to make a determination on these claims without additional information or evidence.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as service connected, after new and relevant evidence was submitted. The Board found that his current condition is at least as likely as not caused by his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for sacroiliac injury with IVDS and degenerative arthritis (claimed as low back injury).,Service connection was granted for the Veteran's current sacroiliac injury with IVDS and degenerative arthritis (low back injury) due to a motor vehicle accident in 1979.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran's death is related to her service-connected PTSD, but there are concerns about abuse of prescription medications.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, limitation of motion of the ankle, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The issues are dismissed as they were fully addressed in a prior rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, lateral collateral ligament sprain (chronic/recurrent) of the left ankle, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee, and left knee strain. The Veteran's current conditions are proximately due to his service-connected right hip osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine condition. The VA must provide an adequate medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for a right ankle disorder due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The remaining issues of service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, thoracolumbar spine, and left leg disorders are remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is etiologically related to his service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,An effective date prior to July 2, 2020, for a 40 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee strain, including osteoarthritis and chondromalacia, has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is found to be the primary cause of his degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right hip strain, and left hip strain. The claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and left knee degenerative arthritis were granted, while her right toe hammer toes and left toe hammer toes remained denied. The decision is considered mixed as some issues were granted and others not.