Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension, degenerative arthritis of the spine and IVDS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no more.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis. OSA was denied, and the PTSD rating was also denied.

The Board granted an initial rating of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD)/intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to July 2, 2019, but denied a higher rating for the entire period. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee joint osteoarthritis status-post ACL tear and medial meniscus tear surgical repair, but granted separate 10 percent ratings for right knee instability and symptomatic cartilage removal.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but granted an effective date of June 8, 2021, for special monthly compensation (SMC) based upon housebound status and an increased 50 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board granted initial disability ratings of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 20 percent each for left and right lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability was denied a higher rating, and the effective dates for service connection were adjusted.

The Board granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability, to include osteoarthritis of the right foot, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral calcaneal spurs, but not including the already service-connected left foot osteoarthritis.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, effective from January 1, 2012.

The Veteran was granted separate 20 percent ratings for a right knee meniscal tear and right knee instability, but the rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee was denied.

The Board remands the claim for a new examination and to obtain relevant private treatment records.

The Board granted service connection for a back disorder and denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for right foot pes planus with degenerative arthritis and remanded the issues of a higher rating for left foot pes planus and service connection for onychomycosis.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right ankle with instability and remanded claims for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic sinusitis.

The Board remands the claim for a low back disability to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion and addressing direct service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a digestive disorder, bilateral foot pain, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, degenerative arthritis (claimed as lower back pain), and migraines. However, tinnitus was granted.

The appeal was denied as the Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea and conditions related to PTSD, lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral shin splints, have warranted a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the l 12 rate from April 13, 2018.

The Board granted service connection for rhinitis and denied an increased rating for the back disability from September 15, 2023. The left shoulder and OSA claims were remanded.