Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in satisfying VA's duty to assist prior to the July 2019 decision.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10% for limitation of motion and a separate 20% rating for instability. The Board has granted the 20% rating for instability, finding moderate instability warranting such a rating.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at 50 percent, the highest schedular rating under DC 8100. The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and mild levoscoliosis is not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left wrist strain and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has been readjudicated, with the Board finding that new and relevant evidence supports her claim. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis (claimed as arm condition, right, forearm condition and shoulder condition, right) has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his authorized representative.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 20% to 10% for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was improper and restored her original 20% rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle degenerative arthritis and separate rating for right ankle instability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have ankylosis of the right ankle, which is required for a higher rating under DC 5271.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to insufficient medical evidence and failure of the Veteran to respond to VA examination requests.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to obtain a proper medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis and to request Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for his right and left knee conditions. The Board finds that a VA examination should be scheduled to address these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury and symptomatology since service.

The Board has granted a temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence following an October 19, 2016, left shoulder surgery until November 18, 2016. The case is remanded to determine if an extension of this rating beyond November 18, 2016, is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis. The appeal regarding left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted service connection, while his left knee joint osteoarthritis remains pending and remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to PTSD and a right knee condition.,VA has determined that new evidence received since previous denials supports the Veteran's claims for anxiety, neck/cervical spine condition, degenerative arthritis, dysthymic disorder, fallen arches, herpes, left knee condition, major depression, migraines, and thoracolumbar spine condition. The right knee condition and PTSD remain under consideration.

The Veteran's bilateral foot, hip, wrist, right shoulder and left ankle conditions are granted as direct service connection. The Board finds that these conditions did not manifest during service or are related to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various wrist and knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence linking these disabilities to his time in service.