Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The veteran's service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea was granted. The veteran's request for higher ratings for PTSD, CAD, and various forms of arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. However, the veteran was granted TDIU and an effective date for DEA.

The Board remanded the claim for a higher disability rating due to issues with the medical examination. The Veteran's representative challenged the competency of the examiner, and the Board agreed that a new examination by a board-certified orthopedic specialist is necessary.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for thoracolumbar spine conditions was dismissed because it was premature.

The veteran's spouse was granted an effective date for special monthly compensation based on housebound status. The claim for a higher rating for the right shoulder condition was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it was incurred in or caused by active service.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The Board acknowledged that the medical nexus opinion was inadequate due to overlooked service treatment records.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were mixed. Some conditions, such as left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and left shoulder strain, were granted service connection. Others, like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, were denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain was granted, but the request for a higher rating was denied.

The Board remanded all issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims involve various ratings for service-connected disabilities related to the lumbar spine, lower extremities, and knees.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition, including as secondary to left knee degenerative arthritis. The VA needs to obtain an adequate medical opinion.

The veteran's request for an increased rating for low back disability was denied, but special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was granted. Issues related to left hip disability and neurological disability were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it related to the veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities, secondary to service-connected right eye disabilities. The Board found that adequate medical opinions were not provided.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted. Service connection for osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, seborrheic dermatitis, and porphyria cutanea tarda were denied. The issue of service connection for tremors was remanded.

The appeal was dismissed without prejudice because the veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board granted the Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claim for an earlier effective date for the award of ratings for his back disability and related peripheral nerve disabilities due to new and relevant evidence.

The veteran's request for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis was denied. The veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for an abdominal scar starting June 7, 2022, and a 30 percent rating for right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome from August 15, 2012 to October 17, 2013 and from December 1, 2013. The veteran's claims for service connection for right hip joint replacement and right knee status post total arthroplasty were remanded.

The Board denied all claims for increased or initial ratings for the veteran's service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbosacral spine disability was granted due to new and relevant evidence showing the condition began during active duty.

The veteran's appeal regarding the rating reduction for IVDS and entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.