Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the appellant's claims due to their death. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather other benefits and ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and a right shoulder disorder. The left shoulder disorder claim is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee replacement, right knee replacement, and lumbar stenosis are granted. The claims for evaluation of long thoracic nerve damage in the left shoulder and degenerative joint disease in the left acromioclavicular (AC) joint are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee osteoarthritis and major depressive disorder, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 6, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU from that date until August 30, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left and right ankle disabilities has been dismissed due to the Veteran's representative requesting to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, while other issues are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for shin splints has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. Effective dates have also been established for his claims of service connection for right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, both dating back to July 14, 2017. The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine disability remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left first finger degenerative arthritis, finding that it is caused by his 1996 motor vehicle accident (MVA), which was caused by his service-connected seizure disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current back condition is related to his service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities have been granted increased ratings and effective dates since October 19, 2017. The claims for service connection of OSA, TDIU, and SMC are still pending.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right knee conditions were dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis thoracolumbar spine and bilateral lower radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

Your appeal of the denial for service connection for left knee pain (claimed as degenerative arthritis) has been dismissed due to your representative's withdrawal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, finding that there is no evidence of its onset during active service or as a result of a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a finding that he was in need of such assistance.

Service connection for a right knee disability, dermatitis, and thyroid cancer has been granted due to new evidence received after the April 2020 denial. Service connection for GERD is remanded as secondary to tooth condition.,The Veteran's right knee disability had its onset in service, while his dermatitis began shortly after discharge from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection was established for left and right knee disabilities, as well as left and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder bursitis and denied service connection for right shoulder bursitis and degenerative arthritis of the spine. The decision is based on evidence in equipoise regarding left shoulder bursitis, but against a finding of service connection for right shoulder bursitis and degenerative arthritis of the spine.

The Board has identified legal defects in the previous opinions and has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the obstructive sleep apnea from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right shoulder strain, and left shoulder tendonitis) render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).