Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's flexion in his left knee exceeded the required limitation of motion for a higher rating, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5003 or DC 5260. The Board also remanded the issues regarding service connection for right and left hip conditions due to insufficient evidence from a VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder. The decision on appeal did not explicitly address the right foot, but the available evidence supports finding current disabilities impacting both feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's neck condition is secondary to his service-connected back condition.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the claims of erectile dysfunction, lumbosacral strain, and degenerative arthritis of the spine are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a left shoulder disorder, as there is insufficient evidence to determine its etiology and a VA examination is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis, finding that it began during active service and continues to this day.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lower back, finding that it is related to the Veteran's active-duty service and assigning high probative weight to the Veteran's lay statements and a private medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate information regarding the Veteran's tinnitus and left knee disability. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder degenerative arthritis and right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis are rated at 10 percent since October 25, 2011 until July 9, 2019.,The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative arthritis is rated at 20 percent effective July 9, 2019.,The Veteran's acquired mental disorder is rated at 70 percent since January 31, 2013.,The Veteran's right leg radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent effective July 9, 2019. The TDIU claim was remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to October 28, 2014 for service connection of a painful surgical scar on her left knee and for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis. The effective date was set at October 28, 2014 due to the Veteran's surgery that day. The Board found no earlier effective date as the evidence did not show entitlement arose prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip condition, left hip condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the prior VA examination and lack of medical evidence linking his current conditions to service.,Specifically, the right knee meniscal tear claim is being remanded because there are no addendum opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding an in-service injury. The left knee strain with PFPS and OSA claims are also being remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome and right knee retro-patellar syndrome with osteoarthritis are both rated at 20 percent, effective July 20, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability, including conditions such as lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and lumbosacral strain, is related to his active duty service. The decision grants service connection for these disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his residual lumbosacral spine scar was denied.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 24, 2021 for the grants of service connection for left and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy were granted.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on interincisal range or lateral excursion.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not show functional or literal ankylosis of the right wrist and the rating schedule adequately contemplates his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for his left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in the current 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right hand degenerative arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current functional limitations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by him and his authorized representative.