Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis. The claims are being remanded due to a lack of contemporaneous medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease and insufficient medical opinion to establish a nexus between current condition and service.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of June 26, 2017 for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Lumbar Spine Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, and Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for his service-connected back disability and associated neurological disabilities, and TDIU. The case will be remanded to obtain additional VA examination opinions and a retrospective opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including a potential failure to properly deliver the June 2023 Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) to the appellant and his representative. The SSOCs need to be re-delivered with correct address information.

The Veteran's IVDS with back injury residuals with osteoarthritis is rated at 40 percent effective January 30, 2024. The appeal for a higher rating prior to that date remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for initial compensable ratings for hearing loss and PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder is dismissed.,Service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board finds that medical clarification is required regarding whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, excoriation disorder, and multiple substance use disorders is granted as of May 19, 2020. The effective dates for the other conditions are also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder strain and right knee strain with osteoarthritis, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's right hip disability has been rated based on limitation of extension, but the Board finds a remand is necessary to address his claims for higher ratings.,The Veteran has pursued higher ratings for different aspects of his right hip disability since service connection was granted in September 2020.

The Veteran's disability ratings for cervical spine IVDS, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy were restored to their previous levels.,An increased disability rating of 40% was granted for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine from January 10, 2023.

The Veteran's left thumb condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and his left ankle condition is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied for increased ratings.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective February 23, 2021. The rating reflects that the Veteran's flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was greater than 60 degrees but not more than 85 degrees during the appeal period.

The Veteran's right knee instability and osteoarthritis have been granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent from February 27, 2003 to July 21, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further action due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's knee conditions will need additional medical records from his private chiropractor.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for cervicalgia, left shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff tendonitis are remanded due to a duty to assist error in obtaining his service treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. Her degenerative arthritis lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent and her tinnitus is rated at 10 percent. The appeals for increased ratings are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that it is caused by weight gain associated with the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.