Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's right knee instability and meniscal tear, as well as his left knee meniscal tear post ACL reconstruction with a scar, are granted separate disability ratings. The effective date remains August 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation were denied. The rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis was not granted above 20% prior to November 9, 2017, and above 40% thereafter. Ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also not granted above the assigned levels.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety, was granted service connection. Left ear hearing loss and erectile dysfunction were also granted. However, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee flexion limitation, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and hypertension are denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus is not met.

The Veteran's neck condition, claimed as C-6, 7, 8 compression, is remanded for further evaluation.,Issues of service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck, bilateral hip, bilateral leg, and bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners. The Veteran's service-connected gout is presumed to be related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip, left hip with sclerotic abnormality of the left femoral neck, and both knees. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to an accident involving a bulldozer during service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the service-connected right ankle degenerative arthritis prior to May 4, 2018. The case is remanded for further development regarding the evaluation of the service-connected right total ankle arthroplasty from July 1, 2019.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and levoscoliosis is being remanded due to procedural issues related to the appeal form used.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion in the May 2023 decision, and a new addendum opinion is needed to address the Veteran's arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right knee disability remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as they are less than total when considering his combined schedular rating and the fact that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and plantar fasciitis conditions are granted service connection, while the ratings for shin splints remain at 10 percent.

The Veteran's left knee instability is rated at 10 percent, effective March 22, 2016. A separate 20 percent rating for dislocation of semilunar cartilage was granted as of that date.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and right knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has granted a TDIU. The claims for higher ratings remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to MST, a bilateral elbow disorder, and a bilateral hand disorder. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for scar of the lower back, residual of laminectomy is denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right eye retinal detachment with diplopia, bilateral iritis and status post bilateral cataract extraction are remanded. The Veteran must provide VA with any private treatment records not already in the file.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease, degenerative arthritis, status post laminectomy, ankylosing spondylitis, and bilateral sacroiliac arthritis is remanded. The Veteran must provide VA with any private treatment records not already in the file.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS is granted a 60 percent rating effective June 27, 2018.