Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The appeal seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, degenerative arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was dismissed due to non-compliance with claims processing rules.

The Board restored the 60% rating for degenerative arthritis and IVDS of the lumbar spine, status post fusion, with stenosis and spondylolisthesis. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies were denied.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, migraines, and tinnitus secondary to PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease as the evidence did not support a finding that it began during active service or within one year from service.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings of the Veteran's service-connected right hip conditions to obtain a retrospective opinion that determines the nature and severity of the disabilities while discounting the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder, but denied service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, cervical strain, left breast cancer, and a left arm condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection for the claimed conditions.

The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's low back and radiculopathy symptoms is accurately assessed, considering any ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine condition to include degenerative arthritis and spondylosis based on the Veteran's continuity of symptoms since active duty.

The Board remands the claims for increased initial evaluations of degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis, and right shoulder degenerative arthritis due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee joint disability was rated at 10 percent prior to November 9, 2023. From that date until March 10, 2024, a 100 percent evaluation was granted, and from March 10, 2024, a 30 percent evaluation was granted.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for limitation of flexion and extension of the left knee, as well as an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee postoperative synovitis and degenerative arthritis, due to insufficient evidence.

The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent but no higher for right foot osteoarthritis and calcaneal spur from April 12, 2016 to April 9, 2021, but denied a higher rating from April 9, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability, diagnosed as right knee osteoarthritis and strain pes anserine, on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back, right ring finger, and left foot hallux valgus disabilities but granted an initial 30 percent rating for pes planus from August 17, 2021, a 50 percent rating for pes planus from December 15, 2023, and a separate 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from August 17, 2021.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine but denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection and granted increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and right ankle disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD, a higher rating for left shoulder disability, and an earlier effective date for the award of a 20 percent rating for left shoulder disability.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including herniation and bulging disk L4 through S1, knee pain with osteoarthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder, cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy. However, the Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for chronic headaches.