Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for instability has been granted.,The Veteran's left knee arthritis is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and higher initial evaluations were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the complexity of the issues, including new psychiatric disorders and chronic pain conditions. The right knee patella tendonitis with degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent since June 30, 2021.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder strain, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, right elbow degenerative joint disease, right wrist degenerative joint disease, and cervical spine degenerative arthritis with spondylosis.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for left hip limitation of extension is granted, with the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5251.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but denied service connection for bilateral trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) of the bilateral upper extremities.

The Veteran's right knee instability and meniscal tear, as well as his left knee meniscal tear post ACL reconstruction with a scar, are granted separate disability ratings. The effective date remains August 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation were denied. The rating for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis was not granted above 20% prior to November 9, 2017, and above 40% thereafter. Ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also not granted above the assigned levels.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety, was granted service connection. Left ear hearing loss and erectile dysfunction were also granted. However, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, left knee flexion limitation, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and hypertension are denied. The rating for diabetes mellitus is not met.

The Veteran's neck condition, claimed as C-6, 7, 8 compression, is remanded for further evaluation.,Issues of service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disability and remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for neck, bilateral hip, bilateral leg, and bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners. The Veteran's service-connected gout is presumed to be related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip, left hip with sclerotic abnormality of the left femoral neck, and both knees. The decision is based on a finding that these conditions are related to an accident involving a bulldozer during service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the service-connected right ankle degenerative arthritis prior to May 4, 2018. The case is remanded for further development regarding the evaluation of the service-connected right total ankle arthroplasty from July 1, 2019.

The Veteran's back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and levoscoliosis is being remanded due to procedural issues related to the appeal form used.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion in the May 2023 decision, and a new addendum opinion is needed to address the Veteran's arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The right knee disability remains denied.