Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis is secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than July 1, 2022, for additional dependency compensation for his current spouse was denied as he did not provide all necessary information to establish their relationship within one year of the relevant rating decisions.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that a remand is necessary due to the inconsistency between the Veteran's statements and the VA examination findings, requiring a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, neck disability, coccydynia, erectile dysfunction, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis with arthroscopy and medial meniscectomy, left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, right shoulder overuse syndrome, right elbow olecranon bursitis, and right elbow tendonitis. Service connection was granted for left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis are granted as service connected. The Board found that the Veteran developed these conditions during active duty for training.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed as the initial ratings were already assigned prior to May 24, 2021.

The Board has denied service connection for low back disability, left shoulder condition, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and bilateral knee conditions due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic fatigue syndrome, other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder, fibromyalgia, IBS (Gulf War illness), and left knee strain with osteoarthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 16, 2017. The Board has granted the TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's left lower extremity sciatica. The issue of service connection for left lower extremity sciatica as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is also being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right hip internal derangement and right knee osteoarthritis have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating in any of these cases.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, and right hip conditions, rendered him unemployable as of August 30, 2015. The Board granted an effective date for the TDIU award on this date.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates and ratings related to hip conditions are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for lower back degenerative arthritis, diabetes mellitus type II, and left knee surgical scar.,There is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for the service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis from November 20, 2009.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by semilunar cartilage dislocation with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, is granted a 20 percent rating. The right knee instability is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted service connection, while the back and peripheral neuropathy appeals are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued since then. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony and medical opinions supporting an in-service onset of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so a restoration of the 10% rating is granted.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted. However, an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and needs further review.,The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so the Veteran's claim for restoration of the 10% rating is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right shoulder condition, degenerative changes at L5-S1 with thoracolumbar dextroscoliosis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy require further examination and evaluation to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and degenerative arthritis on an aggravation basis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing back disability was aggravated during his periods of active service from June 2010 to March 2011 and May 2013 to January 2014.