Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of such disabilities in service or related to service. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals of bilateral mammoplasties was also denied as the current diagnosis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes. The evidence shows no limitation of flexion to 30 degrees and no limitation of extension to 15 degrees in either knee, even considering pain and other functional loss.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for adjustment disorder with depressed mood and a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, with bilateral positive straight leg raising.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus denying entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. However, the Board found insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's degenerative arthritis lumbar spine to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and right hip disability, to include osteoarthritis, are not service-connected as they did not develop during his active duty or due to a pre-existing condition aggravated by service. The Veteran's current conditions were more likely related to post-service events.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records from SGHS. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also grants service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, finding that it was aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since June 20, 2017. The Board found that the criteria for a higher evaluation were not met prior to this date.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are found to be related to a period of INACDUTRA during service, resulting in service connection.,Major depressive disorder is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, leading to service connection for this condition.,Left leg numbness (sciatica) is found to be related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, resulting in service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional treatment records and reevaluate the Veteran's cervical spine disability. The appeal is currently pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in service and did not demonstrate onset during the first year after service. The Board also determined that it is less likely than not that his cervical spine disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to address the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA Form 21-8940 and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right shoulder disability. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disorder is also referred for adjudication.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and an eye disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,The Board also found that the Veteran's countable income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate limit set by law.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee disorder, including osteochondritis dissecans. The evidence now shows that the Veteran's pre-existing condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service or any incident in service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for hypertensive vascular disease with hypertension and osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees, ankles, and wrists. As a result, the claims are dismissed.