Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a back disability was previously denied in August 2012 and became final. The Veteran submitted new evidence in May 2020, which led to the grant of service connection for a back disability as secondary to his existing service-connected condition.,A right ankle fracture was granted service connection effective January 18, 2021, based on the date the claim was received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, arthritis of the lumbar spine, and various hip and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to perform daily activities without assistance. The Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hip disabilities have been granted with an effective date of January 24, 2021.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis. The claim for a right ankle disorder was denied. Service connection for hypertension is also granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 50 percent from April 1, 2023. The Board found that the condition resulted in severe painful motion or weakness and granted a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and other issues.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 17, 2012 for the Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits. The effective dates are based on the Veteran's last reported work in February 2012.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis is due to in-service lumbar punctures and has been granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with shin splints is related to his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, finding that a proper medical opinion is needed to address whether it was caused by or related to service-connected left hip condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders are granted. The Board affirms the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee based on continuity of symptomatology since service. Service connection is also granted for right and left ankle disorders but requires further examination to establish a link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for right elbow degenerative arthritis and left eye strain, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for cervical spine disability due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in May 2004 and June 2004 rating decisions, finding no CUE.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, which is the highest available.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder does not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating. The closest match to his symptoms is a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his bilateral knee, feet, right hand, wrist, and index finger disabilities were granted effective March 17, 2021. The Board denied earlier effective dates prior to this date.,The Veteran did not file a completed claim seeking entitlement to an increased rating for any of the conditions listed prior to March 17, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis with rotator cuff tendonitis and dislocation, but has remanded the issues of service connection for left shoulder disorder and left ankle disorder due to outstanding VA records.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and a left knee disability as secondary to the now service-connected right knee are granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder strain with bicipital tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support the claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes was denied. The attempted appeal of the duty to assist error during the higher-level review for right hip degenerative arthritis was dismissed as there was no decision from which the Veteran could appeal.