Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities contribute in substantial part to a vocational impairment, and he has not overcome the effects of such impairment. With resolution of reasonable doubt in his favor, the criteria for a determination that the Veteran has an employment handicap for VR&E benefits purposes have been met.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions had their onset during his active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and hepatitis C due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including addressing claims related to effective dates and service connection on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The ratings for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy are denied prior to February 8, 2021, and for right lower extremity radiculopathy are denied after February 8, 2021.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to service and may be considered for direct service connection. However, there are issues regarding whether his back disability is secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The decision is remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and associated tendon injury of the left foot were not found to be moderately severe in nature, resulting in a denial of an increased rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for effective dates of December 9, 2016 for service connection of radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities. The claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, his left hip disability (limitation of extension) and left knee disability are each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran has been granted a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depression, recurrent moderately severe (previously rated as adjustment disorder with depressed mood), is granted a 70 percent disability rating for the period prior to January 17, 2020. For the period beginning from January 17, 2020, his major depression is granted a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right hip osteoarthritis, as well as a right knee disorder post total replacement and degenerative disc disease are granted. The claim for left knee osteoarthritis is remanded.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity sciatic nerve is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left hip with impairment of the thigh is currently rated at noncompensable (0%), as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right hand conditions, including osteoarthritis and as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back arthritis, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to their impact on her ability to work as a behavioral and mental health therapist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back arthritis, have rendered her unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to their impact on her ability to work as a behavioral and mental health therapist.

The appeal for service connection for right knee strain with osteoarthritis, right knee condition and any left knee condition as secondary to right knee condition is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for mechanical back pain syndrome with bilateral radiculopathy as secondary to right knee condition is also dismissed. The appeal for service connection for left elbow condition is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected neck disability and cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities have been denied. The evidence does not support a finding that he is entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for any condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee, hip, and ankle conditions as secondary to a service-connected left great toe fracture with degenerative arthritis. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions were aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to dress or undress herself and to keep herself clean without the personal assistance of another person, meeting the criteria for SMC at the rate prescribed in 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.