Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a retrospective medical evaluation of the Veteran's right knee disability and a supplemental clinical opinion regarding his service connection claim for Hepatitis C. The issues remain on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized as dislocated semilunar lunar cartilage with episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint, was not shown to warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent prior to July 19, 2016. The separate compensable evaluation for right knee surgical scars was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional medical records. The Board will consider whether his conditions may be related to undiagnosed illness or direct service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine, right knee, and surgical scars disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his TDIU and DEA benefits, left him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that he met the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the right shoulder and dislocation of the left shoulder with osteoarthritis, have been rated appropriately. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for depression and TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has found service connection for a right shoulder condition, secondary to the Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis. The Veteran is also granted a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder degenerative arthritis.

The Board has restored the 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left knee disability from August 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his employability and the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The case will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his employability and the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The case will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee instability and osteoarthritis were found to not warrant an increased rating or a higher initial disability rating, respectively.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is not rated higher than 30 percent, and his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated as 10 percent prior to March 18, 2011, and 10 percent thereafter.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not related to his service-connected low back disability. As a result, service connection for the cervical spine disability is denied.

The appellant withdrew his appeals for restoration of service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis and left lower extremity sensory deficit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that they were not service-connected.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is manifested by X-ray evidence of arthritis and slight limitation of motion. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a rating of 20% for the period prior to April 9, 2013, and a 40% rating for the period beginning April 9, 2013. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted a 20% rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 9, 2009 for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for these conditions. The Veteran is currently receiving a 20% evaluation for his intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance for the Veteran's spouse is not warranted due to her functional capacity, which does not require personal assistance from others.