Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives regarding the severity of his lumbar spine disability, specifically addressing functional impairment during flare-ups and whether such approximates or constitutes ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and initial ratings for bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral degenerative arthritis, and right foot metatarsalgia are being remanded due to the grant of service connection for left foot bunionectomy.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right foot, left foot, and right distal fibular fracture residuals with right shin and lower leg pain disabilities. The issues include determining whether these conditions are related to service or due to other service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral flat feet (pes planus), finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, depression and anxiety, and a bilateral ankle disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder based on a finding that these conditions began in service and have continued since then.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for limitation of extension due to degenerative arthritis of the left hip SI joint is denied as she is already receiving the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for limitation of flexion and abduction/adduction based on degenerative arthritis of the left hip SI joint are remanded.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, right knee instability, and osteoarthritis right knee are all granted with specific ratings. The radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The VA is required to obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his service.

The Veteran's right foot osteoarthritis and calcaneal spur were rated at 10 percent from April 12, 2016 to April 9, 2021. From April 9, 2021, the rating was increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left hip disorders have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.,Higher ratings were not warranted based on findings of limited abduction, extension, or flexion of the hips.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip condition, right hip condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine as they are still pending under the legacy appeal system.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher rating for his left ankle condition, as well as his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder secondary to his left ankle condition, are being remanded due to the need for further development or clarification.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated at the maximum available schedular rating (30 percent) for instability.,The Veteran's left hip disabilities do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he was not in need of regular aid and assistance nor permanently bedridden.

The Veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left and right shoulders has been granted. The Veteran also received a 20 percent rating for prostate cancer residuals.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine (back injury) is remanded due to a lack of examination and treatment records, which may be related to his service or service-connected PTSD.