Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder disability, including glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the previous decision. The case is now pending for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, hammer toes, and hallux limitus with degenerative arthritis, are granted at a 30 percent evaluation effective June 10, 2024. The earlier effective date of June 28, 2021 for service connection is also granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 2, 2017 and from December 1, 2017 to September 22, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating is denied. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (prior to September 15, 2022) was also denied. However, since September 15, 2022, the Veteran's entitlement to increased level of SMC has been granted.

The Veteran's left knee condition was previously rated at 10 percent and increased to 20 percent in October 2019. The VA has now restored the 20 percent rating effective June 1, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability and RLE radiculopathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is dismissed as moot because it was previously adjudicated under the Legacy Appeals system and a full grant of benefits has been awarded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn, and the cases are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are inextricably intertwined with other issues on appeal and must be remanded. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a medical opinion regarding when the Veteran's service-connected disorders first manifested, readjudicate the 1981 claim, and readjudicate all of the herein issues on appeal.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for lumbar radiculopathy in both lower extremities have been granted at a 40 percent rating.,An increased disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded.

The Veteran's residuals of left ankle sprain with degenerative arthritis are rated at 20 percent, but no higher, due to marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran is rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected knee and lumbar spine disabilities from October 2, 2015 to December 1, 2015, June 20, 2016 to September 1, 2016, July 19, 2017 to September 1, 2018, and April 10, 2019 to June 1, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right ankle status post ankle sprain is granted, and she is assigned an initial disability rating of 10 percent. Her scar on the left index finger is also granted as painful, warranting a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis prior to September 24, 2021 is not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's right TKR prior to June 19, 2018 is not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's right TKR from August 1, 2019 to August 3, 2023 meets the criteria for a maximum 60 percent rating.,The Veteran's right hip arthritis with limitation of flexion prior to September 24, 2021 is not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's right hip arthritis with limitation of flexion from September 24, 2021 onward does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of her service-connected conditions, including left shoulder condition, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and right ankle condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need to adjudicate a collateral attack motion regarding the August 1985 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip condition had its onset during service and is related to her military duties, granting her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for chronic prostatitis is denied. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for left hip degenerative arthritis due to old trauma with post traumatic degenerative changes is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding functional limitations.