Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is etiologically related to his service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,An effective date prior to July 2, 2020, for a 40 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee strain, including osteoarthritis and chondromalacia, has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is found to be the primary cause of his degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right hip strain, and left hip strain. The claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus and left knee degenerative arthritis were granted, while her right toe hammer toes and left toe hammer toes remained denied. The decision is considered mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the appellant's claims due to their death. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather other benefits and ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and a right shoulder disorder. The left shoulder disorder claim is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee replacement, right knee replacement, and lumbar stenosis are granted. The claims for evaluation of long thoracic nerve damage in the left shoulder and degenerative joint disease in the left acromioclavicular (AC) joint are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee osteoarthritis and major depressive disorder, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 6, 2020. The Board has granted TDIU from that date until August 30, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left and right ankle disabilities has been dismissed due to the Veteran's representative requesting to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, while other issues are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for shin splints has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. Effective dates have also been established for his claims of service connection for right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, both dating back to July 14, 2017. The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his lumbar spine disability remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left first finger degenerative arthritis, finding that it is caused by his 1996 motor vehicle accident (MVA), which was caused by his service-connected seizure disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current back condition is related to his service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities have been granted increased ratings and effective dates since October 19, 2017. The claims for service connection of OSA, TDIU, and SMC are still pending.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on his right knee conditions were dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis thoracolumbar spine and bilateral lower radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

Your appeal of the denial for service connection for left knee pain (claimed as degenerative arthritis) has been dismissed due to your representative's withdrawal.