Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder based on a finding that these conditions began in service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for limitation of extension due to degenerative arthritis of the left hip SI joint is denied as she is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for limitation of flexion and abduction/adduction based on degenerative arthritis of the left hip SI joint are remanded.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, right knee instability, and osteoarthritis right knee are all granted with specific ratings. The radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The VA is required to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's right foot osteoarthritis and calcaneal spur were rated at 10 percent from April 12, 2016 to April 9, 2021. From April 9, 2021, the rating was increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left hip disorders have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.,Higher ratings were not warranted based on findings of limited abduction, extension, or flexion of the hips.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip condition, right hip condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine as they are still pending under the legacy appeal system.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher rating for his left ankle condition, as well as his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his left ankle condition, are being remanded due to the need for further development or clarification.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated at the maximum available schedular rating (30 percent) for instability.,The Veteran's left hip disabilities do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he was not in need of regular aid and assistance nor permanently bedridden.

The Veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right shoulders has been granted. The Veteran also received a 20 percent rating for prostate cancer residuals.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine (back injury) is remanded due to a lack of examination and treatment records, which may be related to his service or service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was granted effective from November 28, 2018. The decision also grants an effective date of May 11, 2012, but no earlier.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 50% disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatosis, a cervical spine disorder, and cephalgia (migraines).,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disorder. The Board found that the condition originated in service and continues to cause symptoms.,For his cephalgia, the Board determined that it was at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient reasoning in the original decision. The Veteran's lay statements about his symptoms are considered, but further medical examination is required to determine if his diagnosed degenerative arthritis of the spine had its onset during service or is otherwise etiologically related.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The Veteran's sleep apnea is also now considered service-connected.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various hearing and sinus conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims of increased disability evaluations for his left ear hearing loss and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis and popliteal cyst, as well as service connection for left chronic epididymitis with hypogonadism, are remanded. His claim for a left heel disorder is also remanded.