Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine and in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered, and a new examination is required to determine if he requires aid and attendance or is housebound due to his conditions.

The Veteran's rating reduction from 20% to non-compensable for left knee instability was proper. The initial evaluation in excess of 20% and 10% for left knee instability and degenerative arthritis, respectively, is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and headaches are being remanded due to the lack of sufficient information in the VA examinations regarding flare-ups, pain on passive motion, and prostrating attacks.

The Board has granted higher initial disability ratings of 20 percent for the service-connected left and right knee disabilities, effective from September 19, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, femoral radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and PTSD with dysthymia have been granted. The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis are rated at 40 percent from March 17, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities, including left and right total knee replacements. The Board has remanded these issues due to inadequate prior examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease from May 18, 2022, and service connection for a psychiatric disability arising from her claim for a higher initial rating for her service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, shoulder disorders, low back disorder, and knee disorders are not service-connected. The GI disorder is presumed to be due to Camp Lejeune exposure.,Further examination is needed for the shoulders, low back, knees, and GI issues.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased disability rating and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis as secondary to her service-connected left knee osteoarthritis, which occurred after a total left knee arthroplasty.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased rating for TMJ dysfunction, service connection for generalized osteoarthritis of the hips, shoulders, ankles, and hands, and service connection for prostate disorder due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's PTSD is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for thoracolumbar spine disorders, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records from Kaiser Permanente.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to comply with prior directives, including obtaining a VA medical opinion that considers the significance of Reserve service and periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, but the issue of service connection for abdominal pain is remanded.,Service connection will be further evaluated and a new opinion requested to determine if the Veteran's current abdominal pain is related to her military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active service or any service-connected disabilities. The Board also found that secondary service connection could not be established.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disability and left shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service accident.

The Board has remanded the claims for a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, as the previous examination was inadequate.