Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, claimed as a back disorder, is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for major depressive disorder, hypertension, and left elbow condition are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings are not granted, and they have been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's unstable heart condition, atrial fibrillation, and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment prior to July 10, 2019. The Board finds a remand is necessary for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's cause of death, including osteoarthritis, was found to be service-connected. The Board granted DIC benefits for the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagitis was granted service connection during his period of active service. The right shoulder disability, IVDS with cervical degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. TDIU benefits are granted from June 5, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability from February 14, 2017 to March 4, 2018 was granted. The decision also addressed the issue of TDIU prior to April 15, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his back condition, shoulder strains, and radiculopathies. The AOJ must issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his sleep apnea, specifically whether they cause or aggravate his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, including osteoarthritis and instability, has been granted a 20 percent evaluation.,PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left thigh disabilities have been denied. The current evaluations do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261 for left knee conditions prior to February 16, 2021. The Veteran also has no compensable ratings for his left upper extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's headaches are found to have started in service and granted service connection.,Service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine is denied as there is no evidence it began during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, tendonitis of the right ankle, hammer toes, and osteoarthritis of the MTP joint disabilities as they are related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and referring the claim of entitlement to TDIU to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for consideration of assignment of a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to November 17, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities due to outstanding private medical records and issues regarding competency of VA examiners. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the knees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities due to inadequate development and lack of compliance with previous remand directives.