Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis and bilateral ankle osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for left foot degenerative arthritis was denied. The appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claims of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and denied them. Service connection was also denied for a bilateral eye disability. Increased ratings were denied for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis of the right knee, hallux valgus of the right foot, and hallux valgus of the left foot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine status-post fusion and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports and changes in rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence. The issues include acne, unspecified degenerative arthritis, calcific tendonitis, chronic left wrist tendonitis, and a musculoskeletal condition related to toxic exposure in the Persian Gulf.

PTSD and COPD have been granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure during service. Left knee degenerative arthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease have also been granted.,Right knee issues, including limitation of flexion, extension, lateral instability, and partial removal of semilunar cartilage, are all granted.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination addressing functional impairment during flare-ups and the impact of the Veteran's symptoms on his ability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, claimed as a back disorder, is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for major depressive disorder, hypertension, and left elbow condition are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings are not granted, and they have been remanded to obtain additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's unstable heart condition, atrial fibrillation, and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment prior to July 10, 2019. The Board finds a remand is necessary for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's cause of death, including osteoarthritis, was found to be service-connected. The Board granted DIC benefits for the Veteran's surviving spouse.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagitis was granted service connection during his period of active service. The right shoulder disability, IVDS with cervical degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. TDIU benefits are granted from June 5, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back disability from February 14, 2017 to March 4, 2018 was granted. The decision also addressed the issue of TDIU prior to April 15, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues related to his back condition, shoulder strains, and radiculopathies. The AOJ must issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his sleep apnea, specifically whether they cause or aggravate his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is secondary to his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, including osteoarthritis and instability, has been granted a 20 percent evaluation.,PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left thigh disabilities have been denied. The current evaluations do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.