Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Veteran's residuals of right knee total replacement have been granted a maximum schedular rating of 60 percent effective June 1, 2020. The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis has also been granted an increased rating to 60 percent effective June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral hips and right knee are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The VA is required to obtain the Veteran's SSA disability benefits records, provide supplemental opinions regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on his hip and knee disabilities, and correct any duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that the current condition did not manifest during his military service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's current left knee condition is unrelated to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic left knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current condition and his in-service injury. The Board noted conflicting medical histories regarding the onset of the Veteran's left knee condition.

This decision grants effective dates no earlier than July 17, 2017 for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy (sciatic) of the right lower extremity, left hip strain (extension), a 10 percent rating for left hip strain with limitation of flexion, and right hip strain with impairment (extension).,An earlier effective date is granted based on the Veteran's Intent to File form submitted on July 17, 2017.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is denied as the condition did not worsen during service.,Service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted, with onset in service and no aggravation beyond natural progression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and status/post knee arthroscopy was denied in September 2021. The Board found that the claim was not continuously pursued, thus denying an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee limitation of extension. The effective dates are April 15, 2015, January 30, 2015, and January 20, 2015 respectively.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that his current condition is due to wear and tear from military service. The decision also grants service connection for any related joint pain.

The Board has determined that there were pre-decisional duty to assist errors regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, which are now remanded for further development.

The appeal concerning an increased evaluation for left foot pes planus is dismissed.,The appeals concerning service connection for cervical spine condition, right tennis elbow, and right knee condition are dismissed.,The claim for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis and sleep apnea will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and post traumatic osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, as well as related radiculopathies affecting both lower extremities, were granted effective September 3, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied increased ratings for left thigh and right thigh limitation of extension, flexion, as well as left hip bursitis with adduction limitation. The Veteran's range of motion was found to be limited by pain but not significantly affecting function.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that it is neither secondary to his service-connected right femoral neuropathy nor directly related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The reduction of the evaluation for a painful scar, right ankle was granted back to its original rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee conditions, including meniscal tear and osteoarthritis, are related to her service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints, left shoulder strain, impingement syndrome, and rotator cuff tendonitis, are granted as service-connected. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are also granted.