Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease, left knee joint osteoarthritis, and right knee joint osteoarthritis due to inadequate medical opinions in the May 2025 rating decision.

The Board has granted service connection for a left 5th metatarsal fracture, as well as secondary service connection for left foot and ankle osteoarthritis to the same condition. The decision is based on evidence that supports these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder due to medical condition, which is related to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus with tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. The rating assigned is 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance has been granted. The case is remanded due to errors in obtaining necessary evidence for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination considering the Veteran's reported flare-ups.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including secondary foot drop, is rated at 40 percent and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

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The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal of his claim for a higher initial rating for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis, as well as a TDIU prior to October 2, 2024, were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's conditions did not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran was eligible for beneficiary travel benefits to attend a VA medical appointment on March 16, 2021 due to his service-connected conditions. The Board found that the nearest available clinic provided the required care and that the Veteran's statements were credible and consistent with the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, specifically whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and ratings have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest, which is not service connected. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or other conditions to his obesity and subsequent diabetes mellitus type II and coronary artery disease.

The Board has restored the prior ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, but has remanded the issues of increased ratings due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left femur fracture with degenerative arthritis of the left knee was dismissed because there was no appealable decision on this issue in the year preceding the June 2021 Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence had been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement, and right knee disability. The claim for right knee disability is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis is granted. The claims for higher ratings for bilateral pes cavus, left ankle impingement, and left knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, including retrolisthesis of L3 over L4 and ankylosing spondylitis (claimed as low back condition) has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.