Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been granted a rating of 20 percent for each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis with arthralgia, status post meniscectomy of the bilateral knees is currently rated at 10 percent and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome is granted, with a maximum rating of 40 percent. The claim for radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is also granted, with a maximum rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's death was attributed to multiple blunt force injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, not related to his service-connected conditions. The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death to active duty or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the August 2015 and October 2016 rating decisions, thus the Board has no jurisdiction to consider these appeals.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,Service connection for sleep apnea was also denied as there is no persuasive evidence linking his current condition to service, and secondary service connection was not established.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have been granted effective from February 1, 2011.,A separate noncompensable rating for bowel incontinence secondary to a lumbar spine disability has also been granted effective from February 1, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for his left hip disabilities and his back disability has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of painful right ankle scars is denied. The appeal for a rating greater than 30 percent for painful right ankle scars and a compensable rating for nonpainful right ankle scars is also denied. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person prior to January 8, 2019, and after July 1, 2019, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to October 26, 2020 of a 30 percent increased rating for his left knee disability was denied as the Veteran did not timely appeal the June 2011 rating decision and there is no evidence of a request to reopen the claim within one year before the October 2020 filing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome and osteoarthritis due to a lack of an examination addressing the in-service aggravation of preexisting disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and right knee iliotibial band syndrome, finding that there is a balance of evidence supporting the Veteran's claim. The decision is based on the Veteran's extensive military service as a Special Forces soldier, which likely contributed to his current disabilities.

Your current rating for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is 30 percent, effective prior to September 7, 2023. The Board has found that your symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis may be service-connected through secondary service connection due to obesity. Further examination and medical opinion are needed to determine the etiology of this condition.,Your back disability (not specified) is currently not service-connected, but further evidence or argument may support its service connection.,Right lower extremity sciatica has no current service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability compensation and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's initial maximum schedular rating of 10 percent for status post bunionectomy, right foot, is granted. Other service-connected conditions are not rated higher.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA neck/cervical spine examination to determine the current level of severity of the service-connected cervical spine degenerative arthritis with strain.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected due to continuous symptoms since service.,Service connection for the low back disability is granted, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board dismissed the appeal regarding severance of service connection for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, chondromalacia patellar, and meniscal tear effective June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds in favor of granting TDIU based on this finding.