Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings for his left shoulder and left ankle disabilities were denied. The left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating allowed under Diagnostic Code 5201. The left ankle disability is also rated at 20 percent, as it already has the highest schedular rating.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability, finding that the evidence did not establish a nexus between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee shin splints with osteoarthritis and left knee strain with shin splints are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation on an extra-schedular basis for his left knee disability, finding that the current rating adequately compensates him and there are no other related factors warranting further extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for sinusitis, to include consideration of the propriety of the reduction in the rating from 10 percent to noncompensable, effective October 1, 2021, is denied.,The Veteran's appeals for evaluations for left knee osteoarthritis (limitation of extension) and instability are remanded due to insufficient evidence at the time of the July 2021 rating decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to September 2, 2020, and a compensable evaluation from September 2, 2020, for right knee osteoarthritis, s/p meniscectomy (instability) is remanded due to insufficient evidence at the time of the July 2021 rating decision.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity (musculocutaneous) is granted at a 10 percent rating. The other conditions remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for neurofibromatosis and remanded the issue of service connection for osteoarthritis (including back disability).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine condition was denied in September 1987, and the decision became final. The Veteran submitted a new claim to reopen this issue on December 20, 2019, which resulted in the grant of service connection effective from December 20, 2019. An earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right hip condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with left upper extremity radiculopathy, which is secondary to his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in physical impairment requiring regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been submitted since the October 2017 denial, which includes medical treatment records showing a current diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the left shoulder. The Veteran's in-service injury is presumed due to combat service, but further investigation by a VA examiner is needed to determine if the disability is related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a thoracolumbar spine disability as there is insufficient evidence of functional impairment with repetitive use over time. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

Service connection is granted for DDD with strain and degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine.,Service connection is granted for right knee degenerative arthritis with post-traumatic changes.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding her right hip disability. The issues of increased ratings for various aspects of her right hip condition are being remanded, as well as the claim for TDIU which is inextricably intertwined with these rating claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of specific information regarding where pain begins during range of motion testing, and requests that new VA examination be conducted.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis, left hip with limitation of abduction and a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis, left hip with limitation of flexion. These ratings are effective as of the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating increase and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to incomplete medical records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left thumb degenerative arthritis due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of continuity of symptomatology since the Veteran's in-service injury. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his current back disability, which he contends was caused by an in-service injury in October 1992.