Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD from May 20, 2018 to August 10, 2020 and a 100 percent rating from September 1, 2020. The claims for increased ratings for dyschromia, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, thoracolumbar strain, and TDIU were remanded.

The Veteran's requirement for assistance with activities of daily living was granted as a result of his service-connected left and right foot disabilities, specifically due to osteomyelitis.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability and a right-side lower back disability, but denied an increased rating for the left foot hallux valgus. The evidence was in approximate balance that bilateral plantar fasciitis is secondary to the service-connected left foot hallux valgus.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and a compensable rating for right ear otalgia.

The Board denied an effective date prior to March 6, 2023, for the award of service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis and remanded claims for a recurrent cervical spine disability and a higher rating for the right ankle.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral dry eye syndrome, left foot degenerative arthritis, and anxiety disorder. The claims for service connection for left heel bursitis, a rating in excess of 10 percent for the back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee disability, scalp scar, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for the right shoulder disability were denied.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee disability and right elbow medial epicondylitis with osteoarthritis, but remanded the issue of a right shoulder disability for further development.

The Board remands the claim for a new medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's left knee conditions are related to his military service or his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Board granted an effective date of February 1, 2019, for the award of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and stenosis, as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder osteoarthritis with glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joint instability but granted a separate 30 percent rating for impairment of the right humerus associated with this condition.

The appeal as to the claims of service connection for shoulder pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is dismissed, and an effective date prior to April 18, 2024, for the award of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, to include degenerative arthritis and scoliosis, is denied.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 13, 2023, for service connection for a lumbar spine disability.

The Board granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and acetabular impingement syndrome and left hip osteoarthritis, finding that the conditions originated during active service.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscal tear and shin splints, but denied higher ratings for other knee conditions. Service connection was also granted for left knee radiculopathy.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow, wrist, and little finger disabilities to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted disability ratings of 40 percent for right shoulder impingement syndrome, 30 percent for left shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, 30 percent for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and 30 percent for right knee patellar chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis, but not higher.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and initial disability ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee to correct duty to assist errors.

The Board granted an effective date of January 26, 2022, for service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis and a 10 percent rating for limited extension of the left hip effective June 15, 2023. The claims for higher ratings for flexion and abduction were denied.

The Board denied higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.