Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee degenerative joint disease and left knee osteoarthritis, as he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board denied an increased rating of more than 20 percent for left ankle degenerative arthritis from February 19, 2024.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and voiding dysfunction as residuals of a stroke, and granted initial ratings for the back disability, left shoulder disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claims for earlier effective dates for hypertension and stroke were denied.

The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, but no higher.

The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for right knee strain to ensure that the estimated range of motion provided for repeated use over time and during flare-ups is sufficient for rating purposes.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, bilateral hip conditions and entitlement to specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were aggravated during his period of ACDUTRA.

The Board granted service connection for squamous cell cancer and denied the claims for an earlier effective date, service connection for implanted cardiac pacemaker, and several other conditions.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 8, 2016 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion and extension status post septic right hip.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, to include osteoarthritis, and a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board remands the appeal for an examination to determine the severity of the service-connected knee disabilities following convalescence.

The Board granted service connection for a heart disability, to include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claim for cervical degenerative arthritis was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the disabilities, and no evidence that the disabilities were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for left shoulder, right knee, and left knee replacement conditions. However, the Board granted a 10 percent rating for the left knee scar and a 30 percent rating for the lumbar spine degenerative joint disease.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings of the Veteran's lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities to correct an error by the AOJ in satisfying the regulatory duty to provide the Veteran with notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, recurrent right and left shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, right and left total knee replacement residuals, and right and left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

The Board granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis with bipartite patella, finding that the pre-existing condition was aggravated by military service. The claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status was remanded.

The Veteran was granted a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis and strain of the thoracolumbar spine, a 20 percent rating for femoral radiculopathy, but denied any higher ratings for sciatic radiculopathy. Special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate was also granted.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the service connection of degenerative arthritis in the right thumb, long finger, ring finger, and little finger.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and updated VA treatment records.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for low back osteoarthritis and traumatic brain injury to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.