Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, nor was he permanently housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome and other service-connected disabilities have been found to warrant increased ratings, with a 40 percent rating granted for the right shoulder disability and TDIU granted.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's neck condition, left-arm and right-arm radiculopathy, low back condition (degenerative arthritis), left-knee meniscus surgery residuals, right-knee meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament surgeries residuals, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for headaches and sinusitis was denied.

The Board granted an effective date of February 15, 2023, for the grant of service connection for right shoulder arthritis and denied a rating higher than 20 percent for left (minor) rotator cuff tendinopathy with degenerative arthritis.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee to obtain additional evidence regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups.

The Board granted service connection for a right wrist disability, currently diagnosed as posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the right wrist and advanced, severe scaphoid fracture with nonunion and collapse of the wrist. The issues regarding carpal tunnel syndrome were remanded.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left and right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability (facet arthrosis), and left knee disability (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease) based on evidence showing chronic conditions in service with continuity of symptoms since separation.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis prior to August 10, 2020, but denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board remands the case for additional development and consideration of various issues, including increased rating claims for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee disability, right hip disability, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and entitlement to a TDIU prior to May 10, 2022, as well as service connection for a right shoulder disorder.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right hand, right thumb carpometacarpal joint but granted service connection for right foot transmetatarsal arch instability, pes cavus.

The appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed, and the claims for service connection for fatigue, a neck strain, trigger finger, left flatfoot, right flatfoot, and bilateral shoulder conditions are denied. The claims for service connection for foot and toe conditions are remanded.

The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and effective dates, except for granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board determined that the RO's April 2024 rating decision was void ab initio and restored the separate 20 percent rating for left foot degenerative arthritis and metatarsalgia, status post old Jones fracture, effective October 5, 2022.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the rating for lumbar strain has been dismissed as it does not address a specific entitlement.

The Board remands the claim for a housebound and aid and attendance examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased rating due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board remands the claim for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and providing complete notice as required by law.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, to include as secondary to service-connected left tibia or right knee disabilities.

The Board denied the claims for an increased disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, dismissed the claim for an increased evaluation of left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis and service connection for vertigo due to untimely appeals.