Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnoses are based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical evidence.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's initial 50% evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted, and his prior evaluations for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to October 13, 2010, for his grant of service connection for left shoulder degenerative arthritis based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE), finding that CUE was not shown in the September 2003 rating decision.

The Board has found that the VA examinations provided were inadequate for rating purposes and did not substantially comply with the August 2023 remand instructions. The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling for limitation of flexion, but no rating is assigned for limitation of extension. The Board finds that an addendum opinion is necessary to address the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ADHD, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, tinnitus, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, scar, and left ear hearing loss, collectively precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of these disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating effective July 18, 2019. Service connection for esophageal cancer is remanded due to the PACT Act's expansion of presumptive conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, finding that the Veteran's currently diagnosed condition is related to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disorder, diagnosed as cervical spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, on a presumptive basis due to continuity of symptomatology since service. The appeal is granted.

Your appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on your claims as they are no longer pending.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for the Veteran's right shoulder, right ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities are not compliant with the requirements in Sharp v. Shulkin and Correia v. McDonald. Therefore, these matters must be remanded to obtain new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his lumbar spine disability and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been dismissed due to his explicit, unambiguous requests to withdraw these appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle, thumb, and ring finger disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal before a decision was made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient reasoning in a previous VA opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability. The claim will be reconsidered with new evidence and an updated medical opinion.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis, degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease, and osteochondritis dissecans to include osteochondral fracture right ankle.,An effective date prior to December 8, 2017, for service connection for left knee disability and right ankle disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as there was no pending claim prior to June 10, 2019.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain claim was denied due to the finality of a previous denial in July 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, and Allergic Rhinitis. The acquired psychiatric condition claim is denied.,Service connection was established for Right Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tendonitis with Degenerative Arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, to include social anxiety, have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left achilles tendonitis and peripheral neuropathy of the left leg is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria for regular aid and attendance.