Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was reduced from 20% to 10%, and the Board has now restored the original 20% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, combined to render her unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation. As such, she is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding no evidence that it began in service or was related to an in-service event.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent effective December 28, 2022. The rating for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS is granted at 20 percent effective December 28, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, are found to render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, effective December 13, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis has been established. The Veteran is also service-connected for hepatic steatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lower back disability, including its onset during service and any relationship to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back injury and resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to incomplete medical records and the need for a retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder is granted service connection, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding PTSD ratings and back disability ratings.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 3, 2006 for the grant of service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and corresponding Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) for loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder tendinosis with instability status post Bankart repair and revision, rotator cuff tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was denied as the evidence did not show any impairment of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities are remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability was denied. A 30 percent rating was granted for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis as of November 24, 2021.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted as service connected, as it manifested within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis in both knees, finding that the Veteran's knee disabilities were caused by his active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a separate 10 percent rating from March 21, 2018 to January 31, 2021. The Veteran's left knee instability prior to July 6, 2015 is granted a 10 percent rating.