Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 40% since April 19, 2018. The Board has remanded issues related to service connection for residuals of a whiplash injury and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right shoulder disability as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated as noncompensable prior to November 15, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's right knee disability was rated as noncompensable prior to November 15, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The Veteran also had a limitation of extension for the period beginning on November 18, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination regarding whether the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy and other symptoms related to her degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with posterolisthesis.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 20% rating prior to October 21, 2014 and denied any higher rating after that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to the need for new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative arthritis with spondylosis, right hip strain as secondary to the low back disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the low back disability. Service connection was denied for left hip disorder and left leg disorder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for a left knee disorder and kidney disorder, as well as an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left ankle. The effective date for the grant of an evaluation of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left ankle is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were denied service connection. The Veteran's initial rating for his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's low back disability, specifically his contention that it was caused by carrying heavy gear during service. The claim will be further developed and a new examination is required.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his postoperative degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to inadequate examinations and lack of retrospective functional loss assessment.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated based on its impact on his work and daily life.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and testimony regarding the Veteran's right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis. A new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of his claimed condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete adjudication. The AOJ must address the claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee joint osteoarthritis prior to September 27, 2016.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's radiculopathy is being examined further regarding its relation to his service-connected lumbar myositis and other back disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to service and is therefore denied. The right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disorder and PTSD were denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for left knee arthritis was also denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim from January 14, 2015 to present is granted.