Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, asthma, bilateral radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in lower extremities, bilateral radiculopathy of the femoral nerve in lower extremities, hypertension, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and post-operative scars of the lumbosacral spine. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to keep himself clean and presentable due to his conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis with intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of sciatic nerve as secondary to service-connected disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy of sciatic nerve as secondary to service-connected disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to October 1, 2015 is remanded due to the failure to consider evidence of Rice TDIU and refer it to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a predecisional error in the duty to assist, and requires an addendum VA opinion on whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is aggravated by his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of statutory or regulatory authority, and the AOJ correctly started payment in October 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy conditions effective September 30, 2015.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, including limitation of extension and lateral instability, is granted with a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU prior to August 28, 2013 and from August 28, 2013 and prior to November 26, 2019. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a schedular or extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, which he claims is related to his in-service duties and his service-connected bilateral pes planus, has been remanded due to duty to assist omissions. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records and provide a new examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied. The claim for a 30 percent rating for diverticulosis (claimed as a bowel condition) was granted, but subject to payment laws.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 20 percent for the period from February 27, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for a total left knee replacement, finding no evidence that the condition is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for acromioclavicular joint arthritis of the right shoulder, left shoulder, and degenerative arthritis and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine. The claims were readjudicated due to new evidence received since a previous denial.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension (pursuant to the PACT Act), emphysema with endobronchial valve in left lung, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder condition with degenerative arthritis, a left shoulder condition with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral disability (lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease), and a left knee condition are granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for emphysema with endobronchial valve in left lung, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder condition with degenerative arthritis, a left shoulder condition with degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral disability (lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease), and a left knee condition are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe painful motion or weakness.,The Veteran's right ankle condition is rated at 20 percent, which also does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe painful motion or weakness.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, despite experiencing pain and flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the 70% rating for persistent depressive disorder was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities based on limitation of motion, as flexion was limited to no worse than 90 degrees in the right knee and 100 degrees in the left knee. Service connection was also denied for various conditions including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, acid reflux, skin hyperpigmentation, hair loss disability, cyst on the chest, PFB, insomnia, hypertension, bladder condition, acquired psychiatric condition (depression and anxiety), TBI, eye disability, low back condition, and umbilical hernia.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee condition, including degenerative arthritis and a sprain, due to incomplete records and need for an updated medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, finding that there is no direct evidence linking his current OSA to his military service. The Board also found that obesity, which he claims as a result of his service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities, did not cause or aggravate his OSA.