Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms prior to March 21, 2020, were more closely approximated by moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's left hip condition, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle tendonitis are granted as secondary to service-connected lower extremity conditions.,Tinnitus is granted as secondary to acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether his current condition is related to his active-duty service.

The Veteran withdrew all claims for service connection and higher ratings, including those for PTSD, osteoarthritis of the shoulder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, prostate disorder, and hypertension. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of her back condition as secondary to her service-connected left hip conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for PTSD, left knee instability, and left knee osteoarthritis with status postmeniscus tear as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine, left knee ACL tear with patellofemoral pain syndrome, and left knee instability associated with left knee ACL tear with patellofemoral pain syndrome due to inconsistencies in the VA examinations and the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral degenerative arthritis of the hands is granted as service-connected, and an effective date of December 1, 2021 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left hip disorder and right knee and hip disabilities. Additional examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are service-connected or warrant a higher rating.

This decision grants effective dates of September 28, 2017, but no earlier, for service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left upper extremities. The Veteran's claim for a 20% rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is denied as it cannot be determined that an increase in disability occurred prior to July 3, 2018.

The Veteran's hyperhidrosis, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee strain are all granted service connection. The conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted. The claim for an increased rating for other specified depressive disorder has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination. The AOJ is instructed to obtain and associate any outstanding VA treatment records, schedule a VA examination, and ensure compliance with the Board's instructions.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, pes cavus, and sesamoiditis, do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to September 6, 2023.,From September 6, 2023, the Veteran is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 50 percent for his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with pes planus, pes cavus, and sesamoiditis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his low back disability is remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the full range of motion, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including a new VA examination for his psychiatric disorder and knee and spine disabilities.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined and for updated VA medical records to be obtained in order to determine the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder and scar disabilities.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as the schedular criteria for TDIU were not met prior to April 1, 2015. The effective date of TDIU cannot be earlier than the effective date of service connection for the underlying disability or disabilities upon which the TDIU is based.

The Veteran's request for service connection for OSA was granted, and he is now rated at 20% for his right shoulder degenerative arthritis. The TDIU rating remains in effect. The case of chronic pancreatitis has been remanded.

The Veteran's request for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected back injury residuals with osteoarthritis is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.