Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left foot conditions, including pes planus and osteoarthritis. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for OSA was granted. Entitlement to a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis with degenerative disc disease and compression fracture at T-11 and T-12 has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal in February 2024.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record. The AOJ needs to review this additional evidence and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar scar has been granted. The issue of rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability is remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as his left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and he was found to be capable of maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations of record are not wholly adequate and have not addressed all relevant evidence, including private examination reports. The Veteran's service-connected conditions may warrant higher or separate ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic cough, chronic fatigue, and chronic headache. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also granted.,Service connection for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee was previously established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was incurred in or caused by service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further clarification and examination regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disability and bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine and left knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's low back condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.,Prior to October 19, 2023, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent. The claim for a higher rating is denied.,From October 19, 2023, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which leave him in need of regular assistance.

The Veteran's right knee tendonitis with osteoarthritis and shin splints claim is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg disability, specifically residuals of a fracture to the proximal fibula with traumatic arthritis and degenerative conditions in the ankle and knee, should be remanded for further development due to inadequate VA examinations. The appeal is not about service connection but rather about the appropriate rating.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service duties. The effective date was not specified.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disorder, including whether it is related to an in-service blast injury. The examiner will also consider the Veteran's lay statements and provide a rationale for their opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion of the right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis due to incomplete VA examination and lack of information about flare-ups.

Your initial ratings for your low back disability, sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities have been remanded.,Your claims for service connection for a right elbow disability, right wrist disability, and disability of the fourth digit of the right hand have also been remanded.