Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis was granted effective from November 28, 2018. The decision also grants an effective date of May 11, 2012, but no earlier.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 50% disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatosis, a cervical spine disorder, and cephalgia (migraines).,Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's cervical spine disorder. The Board found that the condition originated in service and continues to cause symptoms.,For his cephalgia, the Board determined that it was at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient reasoning in the original decision. The Veteran's lay statements about his symptoms are considered, but further medical examination is required to determine if his diagnosed degenerative arthritis of the spine had its onset during service or is otherwise etiologically related.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The Veteran's sleep apnea is also now considered service-connected.

The Board has dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various hearing and sinus conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims of increased disability evaluations for his left ear hearing loss and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis and popliteal cyst, as well as service connection for left chronic epididymitis with hypogonadism, are remanded. His claim for a left heel disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is found to have started during his active service and continues since separation. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) has been granted with an effective date of September 23, 2021. The TDIU was awarded due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's arthritic disabilities, including gout and degenerative arthritis of the ankles, and his active service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound benefits is denied because he does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his conditions prior to certain dates.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder not otherwise specified was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded as it has been nearly seven years since he last underwent a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, bilateral knees. The evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's knee disability is related to his active-duty service.

Your appeal for service connection of your back condition has been dismissed as the Veteran passed away during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's right thumb fracture is currently rated at 10 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been granted.,The Veteran's right little finger fracture is currently rated at 0 percent, and a compensable evaluation of 10 percent has been granted.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for left ankle impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, effective August 31, 2020. However, the claim of a rating in excess of 20 percent for the left ankle disability is remanded due to improper reduction.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 24, 2015 have been denied as there were no formal or informal claims filed prior to that date.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent for limitation of motion and impairment of the humerus. Ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists are granted, with a maximum rating of 30 percent for each wrist.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis and herniated disc of the lumbar spine before a decision was made.