Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia and left foot degenerative arthritis is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which represents the highest possible rating for this condition. The Board has remanded the claims related to secondary service connection as they are not yet resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, nor incapacitating IVDS episodes having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during a 12 month period. As such, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors and inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran's hip, knee, and lower back disabilities are being reviewed again with new medical opinions considering his service history.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lower back, finding no increase in severity during service and thus no aggravation. The Veteran's pre-existing condition was not considered to have been aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current knee disabilities are not related to his military service.,The Board also denied SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance and being housebound due to insufficient evidence of need.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the Board found that he did not provide good cause.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 30, 2020 for the grant of service connection for a right shoulder disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent disabling and service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are remanded due to inadequate examination reports and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, requiring an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current left knee and hip disabilities are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a scar of the chin and lower lip, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, watery eyes, sleep disability, right collar bone pain, skin disability of the toenails (tinea unguium), skin disability claimed as a back rash due to an allergic reaction, chronic dizziness, erectile dysfunction, and chronic headache disability have been granted. The claims for service connection for these conditions are now considered resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, and thoracolumbar spine disorder to obtain additional medical opinions that address the Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder and left knee disabilities due to inadequate examination reports, failure to address pain during range of motion testing, and need for retrospective opinions regarding functional loss prior to April 20, 2022.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is granted as secondary to service-connected brain surgery due to subdural hematoma and tension headaches associated with tinnitus. The left hip disability remains under review.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claim of service connection for a LEFT shoulder disorder and cervical spine disorder, as well as the denial of SMC at the K-rate on account of 'loss of use' of the LEFT foot.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance due to lack of permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the AOJ not making reasonable attempts to schedule an informal conference before issuing a decision.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions are related to injuries sustained during a period of Active-Duty Training (ACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder with other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, chronic headaches, right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis, degenerative arthritis of the spine, left knee strain with bursitis, chronic right knee strain, left ankle lateral collateral ligament strain, chronic right ankle sprain, allergic conjunctivitis, and tinnitus, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities. As such, TDIU is granted from August 26, 2020.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome is related to active duty service.,The evidence of record persuasively demonstrates that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is caused and/or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's service-connected hip and knee conditions have been rated as noncompensable under the relevant diagnostic codes for limited motion. The Board finds that higher initial ratings are not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The left hip and low back disorders need further examination, while the LLE nerve condition is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.