Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right shoulder disabilities have been granted. The claims for right ankle and hip disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will consider the evidence of record at the time of the February 20, 2025, notification of the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) decision on appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension was granted. The claims for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left foot callus, right shin splint, left shin splint, right hip strain, and left hip strain were all denied as they are not considered to be aggravated by or caused by the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's non-fused transverse process of L1 on right side; degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), thoracolumbar spondylosis and lumbar scoliosis is granted. The left leg peripheral neuropathy as secondary to the spinal disability is also granted. An increased rating of 30 percent for the service-connected left ankle arthritis status post fracture, medial malleolus is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and left hip strain with osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's claims of service connection for obesity, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and an increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis status post total knee arthroplasty are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for scars secondary to the service-connected left knee disability, were denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 50 percent from June 1, 2023 to August 24, 2023. The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating consideration.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right thigh/hip limitation of extension with painful motion, right thigh/hip limitation of flexion, impairment of the right thigh/hip degenerative arthritis with impairment of the thigh, and femur fracture are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The issue of a higher rating for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is restored to a 40% rating, and his right hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome is restored to a 10% rating.,A 10% rating for the right hip femoral acetabular impingement syndrome is granted based on limitation of flexion. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and review of evidence.

The Veteran's left ankle, left hip, lower back, and right ankle conditions are found to be service-connected due to aggravation of preexisting conditions during active service.

The Board denied service connection for right hand osteoarthritis, left foot osteoarthritis, and a right foot disorder to include osteoarthritis and neuropathy. The Veteran's claims were remanded multiple times but the evidence did not support his assertions of in-service onset or continuity.,There is no credible medical evidence linking any current right hand, left foot, or right foot conditions to service.

The Veteran's left hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The ratings for right hip extension and flexion limitations are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and right hip disabilities, but has remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from February 27, 2003, to July 21, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and prostate cancer due to insufficient evidence in their favor, particularly regarding the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his current condition is related to service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating issues due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being obtained prior to adjudication.