Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board granted the appeal and reinstated a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine vertebral fracture with degenerative arthritis and lumbosacral strain, effective June 24, 2024.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board remands the claim for a lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis to ensure that the AOJ makes reasonable attempts to obtain missing reserve treatment records and in-service hospital records.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to August 28, 2017, and a rating in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's low back disability, as the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between the condition and active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding it less likely than not that the condition was related to the Veteran's service-connected upper extremity disabilities.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and cervical spine disabilities as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability due to inadequate VA opinions.

The veteran has withdrawn the appeal for all claims, and the Board lacks jurisdiction to review them.

The Board granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent for GERD and earlier effective dates for the assignment of higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine to include intervertebral disc syndrome.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and total disability based on individual unemployability. The claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right toe removal and rating in excess of 40 percent for left hip disability were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for increased ratings for a left knee disability and lumbar strain, finding that there was no factually ascertainable worsening of these conditions within one year prior to the receipt of his intent to file.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, left lower extremity disorder, and left knee disorder based on the evidence supporting their direct relationship to the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral shoulder disabilities to ensure an adequate record upon which to decide the claims, as the current examination report is insufficient due to its failure to account for the ameliorating effects of medication.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents and remanded the claims for left hand disability, chronic kidney disease, and compensable initial disability rating for hypothyroidism.

The Board remands the claim for a secondary service connection for right hip degenerative arthritis to obtain an addendum opinion addressing aggravation.

The Board granted a separate rating of 10 percent for left knee instability and denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an effective date of April 9, 2012 for the grants of service connection for left and right hip degenerative arthritis based on limitation of extension, flexion, and abduction.

The Board granted service connection for bruxism and migraine/ headaches as secondary to a service-connected mental disorder, but dismissed the claims for degenerative arthritis lumbar spine with strain (back condition) and vertigo due to procedural issues. The claim for tinnitus was denied.