Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development, including obtaining TRICARE records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of his left shoulder condition is denied as the earliest possible effective date under law is March 18, 2021.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis with bursitis and degenerative joint disease have not met the criteria for a compensable rating prior to February 13, 2023 or a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter. He is granted a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion and another 10 percent rating for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied, and the Board has decided to remand it due to a duty to assist error regarding Social Security records.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent disabling, effective June 26, 2019. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The decision does not specify the exact reasons for denial, but it is clear that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to a lack of current disability diagnosis.,For his low back disability, the Board finds that he is entitled to a 10 percent rating based on Diagnostic Code 5242.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining his complete military records and ensuring he had a separation examination. The right shoulder condition claim is being remanded for an additional VA examination, while the sleep apnea claim requires a medical opinion.

Your appeal for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome has been dismissed because you requested to withdraw your appeal before a decision was made.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and thoracolumbar spine scoliosis was granted a 40 percent rating on and after February 3, 2021. The prior period remains denied.

The Veteran's back disability was rated at a 40 percent effective December 24, 2020.,VA also granted Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits from the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and prostate cancer residuals, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded both issues of increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability due to inadequate examination and reasonable possibility of aiding in substantiating his claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The effective dates for service connection are being dismissed as they were final.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis should be remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and a left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the back with spinal stenosis is remanded due to incomplete records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hip disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in the February 2021 VA medical opinion. The Veteran's service-connected back disability and gunshot wound residuals are alleged to have aggravated his bilateral hip disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses of meniscal tears with degenerative arthritis had their onset during his military service.