Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's ratings for DDD, thoracolumbar spine with degenerative arthritis, LLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, and RLE radiculopathy, sciatic nerve were restored to their previous levels of 20 percent effective April 22, 2021.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of a left knee condition, finding that there is no credible evidence linking any current left knee disability to the appellant's period of service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spondylosis. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements of in-service injury and ongoing symptoms.

Service connection is granted for neck and back disabilities, but the claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder and left hip conditions are remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's left knee limitation of extension is granted at a 40 percent rating effective January 11, 2020. A separate rating for the meniscal condition prior to March 1, 2021, is denied.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities. The cervical spine disability claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and service connection claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's right-hand disability and dental condition are denied. The Board has remanded the dental condition for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left and right knee degenerative arthritis have been denied by the Board, as both knees currently meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected anxiety and depressive disorder, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's left ankle tendonitis with osteoarthritis, GERD, and eczema have been granted increased ratings. The left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, the GERD at 30 percent, and the eczema remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar facet arthropathy with degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate examination prior to the June 2023 rating decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right hand degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and service. The Board also found no new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication of the claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's request to readjudicate the claim for service connection for his right knee condition is granted. The Board has identified two duty to assist errors and finds sufficient evidence to readjudicate the Veteran's claim, but remands the case due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete service treatment records.

The Veteran's low back disability, including SI joint dysfunction and mild arthritic changes in the thoracic spine, ankylosing spondylitis, and degenerative arthritis of the spine, is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding its onset during service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability has not been rated higher than noncompensable.,The Veteran's right knee joint osteoarthritis with limited flexion does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied as there was no new and relevant evidence presented to support the claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began in service or are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment since May 20, 2017. Her TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of May 20, 2017.