Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

Service connection is granted for deviated septum, back disability (lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis), left elbow lateral epicondylitis, left wrist tendonitis, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder), non-allergic rhinitis, enlarged tonsils, anemia, and disability manifested by widespread muscle and joint pain.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee tendinitis with degenerative arthritis, and other conditions has been withdrawn. The VA is remanding the claims for service connection for various conditions due to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA).,The VA is remanding the claims for service connection for a back condition, headaches, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, bilateral leg condition, functional dysphagia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for left foot pes planus, plantar fasciitis, degenerative arthritis, and calcaneal spur (left foot disability), left knee strain and patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee disability), and right ankle degenerative joint disease (right ankle disability) on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability was granted with an effective date of September 13, 2019. The decision is based on the submission of a proper VA Form 21-526EZ within one year of the initial denial in July 1986.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of March 1, 2020, but no earlier, for the 40 percent increased evaluation of lumbar degenerative arthritis is granted. The earliest effective date assignable is the date the Veteran submitted his intent to file form on March 1, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a 20 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle has been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining necessary opinions and evidence, including on the issue of aggravation by service-connected conditions and direct incurrence during active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the failure to schedule VA examinations in Panama or Florida, where he was residing at the time. The AOJ must reschedule these exams and address the functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is granted as secondary to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy. The claims for bilateral pes planus, left foot tenosynovitis, right foot tenosynovitis, left foot osteoarthritis and degenerative changes, and right foot osteoarthritis and degenerative changes are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to incomplete STRs and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PFB, left shoulder acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, and right ankle sprain are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions considering all evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for left lower extremity (LLE) of the posterior tibial nerve, to include left foot strain, is remanded due to inadequate examination and duty to assist error.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis (a low back disability) as there is no evidence showing that his current disabilities were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease, and IVDS was granted with an effective date of March 11, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding her lower back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines, cervical spine disability, tinnitus, and hemorrhoids have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for hearing loss or tinnitus, and the effective dates were granted based on continuous pursuit of claims since May 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain (previously diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine) and allergic rhinitis, finding that both conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was granted a 30% rating from September 18, 2019, to April 6, 2021. Prior to this period, the claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back, right ankle degenerative arthritis, left ankle sprain, and left shoulder disability due to inadequate medical opinions.