Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve has been assigned a separate 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of intervertebral disc syndrome and left knee osteoarthritis due to the appellant's withdrawal.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 1, 2014. The RO has granted a temporary total rating for convalescence following surgery.,The Veteran's service-connected low back disability warrants an increased rating to 40 percent from May 1, 2014.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and asthma, due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection for hypothyroidism is also remanded.

The Veteran's back condition may have worsened since his last VA examination, and he has developed bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy symptoms. The Board finds a remand is necessary to afford the Veteran another examination.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with instability is rated at 10 percent since August 6, 2021. The rating for painful motion prior to December 13, 2022, and limited extension after that date are denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for left knee lateral instability has been granted from the effective date of the August 2021 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's neck disability and right hip disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her neck disability, which she contends was caused by a fall in service, and an increased rating for her right hip disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted. The claims for service connection for a mental disorder and right shoulder condition are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee strain and degenerative arthritis, as well as bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's current conditions are believed to have started during his active military service.,Service connection was also granted for migraine headaches secondary to a pre-existing condition (service-connected anxiety disorder with insomnia disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examination reports and incomplete development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and effective date were denied. The back disability was rated at 20 percent from February 20, 2015, but the claim is not prior to this date.

The appeal as to service connection for hypercholesterolemia is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the previously denied claim of service connection for lumbar strain has been reopened. Service connection for a low back disability (including lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis/degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine) is granted.

The Veteran's low back disability is being remanded for further review, and his left and right ankle disabilities are granted a 20 percent rating each.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and painful surgical scars, are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee replacement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted. The other claims, including a rating in excess of 30 percent for her psychiatric disorder, are being remanded due to pre-decisional errors.

The Veteran's initial 10% disability ratings for right and left shoulder osteoarthritis were granted, with the effective date being December 1, 2012.

The Veteran's back and neck disabilities were granted service connection with an effective date of December 31, 1983.,An earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is denied.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of May 14, 2014 for the grant of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis. The effective dates for Dependents' Educational Assistance are also granted.