Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board denied increased disability evaluations for degenerative arthritis and chronic lateral collateral ligament sprain of the right and left ankles, currently rated at 10 percent each. The ratings are based on moderate limitation of motion without ankylosis.

The claim of service connection for fibromyalgia was denied. The appeal is remanded for the issues related to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for degenerative arthritis.

The Board dismissed the issue of service connection for allergic rhinitis. The claim for service connection for a back disability was reopened, but the appeal remains pending as it is remanded for additional development. The claims for service connection for a headache disability, cervical radiculopathy (right and left upper extremities), and a left knee disability are also remanded.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right hip condition, are all found to be related to their respective periods of active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear information regarding the Veteran's current employment status and income. The Veteran is required to complete a new VA Form 21-8940 and provide yearly income information for the period of May 2013 to present.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation, service connection, and other issues related to his right hand little finger instability with degenerative arthritis and ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, rheumatoid arthritis, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluation, service connection, and other issues related to his right hand little finger instability with degenerative arthritis and ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, rheumatoid arthritis, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and polymyositis and inflammatory myopathy have been granted service connection. The sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and headache disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, migraines, PTSD, and TBI-related conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the appeal period from May 14, 2018, to September 7, 2021, and from September 18, 2021, to September 7, 2022. Effective September 7, 2021, he is in receipt of a 100% combined schedular disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right leg shin splints are granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, effective July 31, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral shoulders, wrists, and hips.,Additional claims for hearing loss, left foot condition, right foot condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was granted, with some issues receiving higher ratings and others remaining at the current levels.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess his service-connected psychiatric disorder and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate development of evidence, including the need for retrospective opinions and VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and lumbar spine conditions due to inadequate medical opinions in previous remands.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right knee and right shoulder disabilities are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for TMJ disorder/jaw osteoarthritis and remanded the claims for systemic rheumatoid arthritis and left foot osteoarthritis. The latter two claims are inextricably intertwined with the service connection for TMJ disorder/jaw osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right fifth metacarpal status post right fifth metacarpal fracture and status post right fourth metacarpal fracture are rated as noncompensable, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for limitation of motion of the ring or little finger absent amputation or the functional equivalent thereof.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right fifth metacarpal status post right fifth metacarpal fracture and status post right fourth metacarpal fracture are rated as noncompensable, which is the maximum schedular rating permitted for limitation of motion of the ring or little finger absent amputation or the functional equivalent thereof.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on housebound status are granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and other conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address the etiology of the Veteran's generalized arthritis disorder, including whether it is related to service-connected disabilities and obesity.