Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee was granted an initial rating of 20 percent for degenerative changes, and a separate 10 percent rating for instability. The decision is based on the Veteran's symptoms during flare-ups.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the service-connected lumbar spine disability, effective March 7, 2022. The decision is based on evidence showing an increase in symptoms during this period.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder tendonitis and bursitis with snapping syndrome, status post arthroscopic surgery. The claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease with radiculopathy (claimed as spondylolisthesis, back) is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected due to in-service noise exposure.,The Veteran's right shoulder condition, including tendonitis and ACJ sprain, is granted as service-connected based on in-service onset and continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's right knee condition, including meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis, is granted as service-connected due to in-service onset and continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's left knee meniscal tear is granted as service-connected due to in-service onset and secondary to the right knee condition.,The Veteran's left Achilles tendinitis is granted as service-connected based on in-service onset.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and sciatic radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were granted with effective dates starting from December 1, 2016.,An earlier effective date for femoral radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was also granted on this decision.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of August 12, 2011 for his entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 12, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 1, 2008, for service connection of left wrist degenerative arthritis other than posttraumatic was granted. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of IBS with chronic diarrhea was also granted.

The Veteran's SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless that he needed regular aid and attendance. The criteria for SMC at the housebound rate have also not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period, and therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder, lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy contributed to his death from congestive heart failure. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria of having a combined rating of at least one year immediately preceding death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the RO has granted service connection for PTSD, degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome, left knee strain (claimed as left knee injury), left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral pes planus, and asthma effective July 11, 2023.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was granted, with an initial 20 percent rating being assigned.

The Veteran's chronic sebaceous cysts have not resulted in any scarring, disfigurement of the head, face, or neck, and do not impact his ability to work. Therefore, a compensable rating is denied.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but there is evidence suggesting that they may warrant higher ratings due to their severity.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorder, specifically whether it is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further review and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that his current condition is not causally related to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for various rating and service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's left sural nerve injury/entrapment and osteoarthritis of the left ankle are rated at 20 percent, while other conditions remain at their current ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis, a low back condition, and tinnitus due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.