Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted with a rating of 10%.,Effective February 28, 2013, the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are each granted with a rating of 10%. The effective date for erectile dysfunction is also set at this time.,The Veteran's spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis secondary to right hip bursitis with limitation of adduction is granted. An initial 70% rating was assigned for the service-connected psychiatric disorder (PTSD).,SMC(k) and SMC(s)(1) are also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis with total knee replacements, finding that the Veteran's symptoms started during service and have continued since.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and requires an addendum VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for left knee meniscectomy semilunar cartilage removal was improper, and restored the original grant of service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is granted an effective date of November 4, 2002. The left wrist residuals of fifth metacarpal bone fracture and right elbow limitation of flexion are granted a rating of 40 percent as of April 4, 2003.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA were granted with an effective date of November 9, 2009. The VA also determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis, finding that his ED is secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for right knee instability was denied as there is no objective evidence of instability.

The Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right shoulder impingement syndrome with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and limited extension of the left knee have been restored to their original levels effective June 1, 2021.,The restoration of ratings is granted for all three conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees and a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis, or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require him to have regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis during or contemporaneous to the appeal period. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and GERD were also denied, with the cervical spine disability rated at 10 percent and GERD rated at 10 percent under DC 7346. The right hand scar claim was denied.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence was received to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disabilities. The claims are being remanded due to a failure to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current left shoulder disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral hip osteoarthritis, including whether it was caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left wrist DJD and/or due to exposure to environmental toxins.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on ten issues has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's right foot disability is granted with a 20% rating. The claims for higher initial ratings for cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, service connection for acute strain of the right ankle, and service connection for shingles are REMANDED.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantial gainful employment, consistent with his training and experience as an over-the-road truck driver.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection for right foot disability other than pes planus, left foot disability other than pes planus, and left elbow disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.