Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for cervical strain, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity as secondary to cervical strain, an initial 30 percent rating for sinusitis effective from November 26, 2019, and a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine effective from November 26, 2018.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his appeal for an earlier effective date for Dependents' Education Assistance.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, also referred to as low back condition, due to a need for additional development.

The Board granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage in the right knee, effective August 2, 2017, but denied an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with joint osteoarthritis.

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbar strain, right knee scar, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee. However, a 60 percent evaluation was granted for the right total knee replacement effective July 24, 2018.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding functional loss during flare-ups, Raynaud's phenomena, and anemia.

The Board remands the claim for a left lower extremity condition, to include a left gluteal muscle condition, for further development including obtaining SSA records and new VA examinations.

The Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood is granted a rating of 50 percent, while his bilateral hearing loss is denied a compensable rating.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right and left hips, as well as degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, residuals of frostbite in the feet, and non-compensable evaluations for allergic rhinitis, headache disability, and right hand fifth finger injury. The claims for coronary artery disease, a skin disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability, service connection for a neck disability, service connection for a right knee disability, and service connection for hypertension due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder with panic attack features, asthma, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee based on evidence showing these conditions are causally related to the Veteran's active duty military service.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and traumatic brain injury, but remanded several other claims related to the character of discharge and various medical conditions.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left hip osteoarthritis with labral tear, but denied initial compensable ratings for limitation of extension and flexion of the left hip.

The Board determined that the severance of service connection for PTSD, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, radiculopathy, left lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and tinnitus was proper due to clear and unmistakable error in the initial award.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine based on a positive nexus between the Veteran's back disabilities and his military service.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings for right hip conditions due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left thumb sprain. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for left knee instability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left hip degenerative arthritis due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board remands the claims for further development to correct duty to assist errors.