Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

Your claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine has already been granted, and you are now receiving disability ratings for this condition. The appeal is dismissed as there is no new issue to review.

The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, bilateral elbow lateral epicondylitis, and bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are all granted as service-connected. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's bulging intervertebral disc, gout, and right ankle osteoarthritis (synovitis ankle right) were all found to have begun during service.,Service connection was granted for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset in active duty.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disorder due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology and nature of his claimed condition.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 16, 2012 for the assignment of a separate compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability (degenerative arthritis) is denied as there is no evidence showing that the condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 7, 2019 for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the neck with intervertebral disc syndrome was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the neck with intervertebral disc syndrome and 20 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's right and left hip osteoarthritis have been granted service connection as secondary to his already service-connected lumbar spine disability and pes planus.,Service connection for headaches has been remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 40% rating for left knee instability with osteoarthritis is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a factually ascertainable increase in severity of her condition within one year prior to July 28, 2023.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD is granted and effective as of May 2, 2023. The Board found that the evidence showed total occupational and social impairment due to her PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that the evidence does not support a link between his current degenerative arthritis of the spine and his in-service low back strain. The most probative medical opinions concluded that the Veteran's current condition is less likely related to his military service.

The reduction of the rating for service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis from 20 percent to 10 percent was proper, and restoration of a separate 20 percent rating for left knee instability is denied.

The Veteran's lower back traumatic arthritis is rated at 40 percent, and the knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and a kidney condition, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.,For the right shoulder condition, the Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis is related to his in-service injury. For the kidney condition, the Board determined that exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune likely caused the Veteran's chronic kidney disease.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic back pain secondary to his service-connected knees and plantar fasciitis, finding that the evidence at least in equipoise supports this conclusion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's degenerative arthritis, left shoulder is related to his service. The claim will be reconsidered by the AOJ with a new examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and tinnitus have been granted service connection.,Headaches, low back disability, and bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded for further review.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and left shoulder strain as secondary to his service-connected right ankle strain and right shoulder disability, respectively.

The Board has remanded the case to refer it to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to October 26, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for right ankle degenerative arthritis is denied. The earliest evidence warranting the 20 percent evaluation is the VA contract examination on June 28, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for prostate cancer, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and left knee degenerative arthritis and instability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim for service connection for ED is also remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is being remanded for further evaluation due to a lack of range of motion testing during flareups.