Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for instability of the left knee effective April 16, 2010. However, the Veteran's increased ratings claim remains on appeal as his left knee increased rating claim is remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, to include degenerative arthritis, is due to his active-duty service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post lumbar laminectomy is rated at 10 percent prior to November 17, 2023. The claim for an increased rating is denied as his symptoms are most nearly contemplated by the current disability ratings.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted an initial 10 percent rating. The ratings for limitation of extension in the right hip and thigh impairment, iliopsoas tendonitis, degenerative arthritis, left hip are denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in failing to obtain private treatment records from Blessing Hospital and Blessing Physician Services Behavioral Health. The issues include right hand neuropathy, borderline personality disorder, IBS with GERD, right shoulder osteoarthritis, hypertension, and TDIU.

An earlier effective date of March 9, 1998 for service connection for degenerative arthritis of thoracolumbar spine is granted.,The Veteran's entitlement to initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities is remanded.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status for the Veteran, who is currently rated at 70 percent for bipolar disorder and has additional disabilities rated at 100 percent under a combined schedular rating. The decision also considers his TDIU as a Bradley TDIU due to his mental health condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was reduced from 20% to 10%, and the Board has now restored the original 20% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, combined to render her unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation. As such, she is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding no evidence that it began in service or was related to an in-service event.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 30 percent effective December 28, 2022. The rating for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS is granted at 20 percent effective December 28, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, are found to render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, effective December 13, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis has been established. The Veteran is also service-connected for hepatic steatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's lower back disability, including its onset during service and any relationship to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back injury and resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to incomplete medical records and the need for a retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder is granted service connection, and the Board has remanded for further development regarding PTSD ratings and back disability ratings.