Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for the service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis from November 20, 2009.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by semilunar cartilage dislocation with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint, is granted a 20 percent rating. The right knee instability is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted service connection, while the back and peripheral neuropathy appeals are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued since then. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible testimony and medical opinions supporting an in-service onset of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been reopened due to new and material evidence. The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so a restoration of the 10% rating is granted.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis secondary to service-connected allergic rhinitis is granted. However, an increased rating for allergic rhinitis remains pending and needs further review.,The reduction in disability rating for allergic rhinitis from 10% to 0% was not proper, so the Veteran's claim for restoration of the 10% rating is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right shoulder condition, degenerative changes at L5-S1 with thoracolumbar dextroscoliosis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy require further examination and evaluation to determine appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with spondylosis and degenerative arthritis on an aggravation basis, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing back disability was aggravated during his periods of active service from June 2010 to March 2011 and May 2013 to January 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected thoracic spinal strain, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right shoulder brachial plexopathy, and left shoulder strain have been remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and to obtain additional medical evidence regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the left and right knees each receiving a separate 10 percent rating. The claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition is remanded.

The reduction in rating for residuals of service-connected lumbar degenerative arthritis from 40 percent to 20 percent effective May 12, 2022 is improper and void ab initio. The petition to reverse the reduction is granted.,Effective dates are granted for service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity and left elbow supination.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for bronchial asthma, left shoulder pain, degenerative arthritis of the spine (cervical spine degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease), and major depressive disorder due to a procedural defect in filing the Notice of Disagreement.

The Veteran's deviated septum was granted service connection and an effective date of July 20, 2006.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine was also granted with an effective date of July 20, 2006.

The Board has granted effective dates of July 27, 2021 for the awards of a 20% rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine (back disability), service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's back disorder is granted service connection. The claims for left and right knee disorders, as well as the right ankle disorder, are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and now requires further examination to determine if the Veteran's right hip degenerative arthritis is related to his service-connected right knee disability.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Service connection for lumbar spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. Additional examinations will be performed, and the Veteran will be provided with updated VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee osteoarthritis and right knee Baker's cyst due to a predecisional duty-to-assist error, requiring the Veteran to be afforded a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service.