Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II claim was also denied because the evidence did not show that it required regulation of activities (avoidance of strenuous occupational and recreational activities).

The Veteran's claim for ischemic cardiomyopathy was reopened and granted based on evidence showing a current disability, in-service injury, and a nexus between the two.,Service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss meeting VA criteria.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability ratings for his thoracolumbar spine and left upper extremity radiculopathy, granted increased ratings for his right lower and left lower extremity radiculopathies, and granted TDIU based on his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine. Basic eligibility to DEA and SMC at the housebound rate have also been established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and a heart disability to include congestive heart failure have been granted. The rating assigned is 10 percent for hypertension on and prior to June 7, 2023.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as of April 27, 2018 because he has a combined disability rating of 100% for his service-connected disabilities and the appeal is moot due to the grant of a 100% disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right shoulder osteoarthritis, left shoulder degenerative arthritis (status-post rotator cuff repair), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions.,The March 2023 VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder osteoarthritis, left shoulder degenerative arthritis (status-post rotator cuff repair), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are not likely related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, right knee condition, and right arm nerve damage due to potential service connection issues.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for right ankle sprain residuals is granted. The issues of service connection for a right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and a rating of more than 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis since October 31, 2013 are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but dismissed the appeals for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine and diabetes mellitus. The appeal for Parkinson's disease is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, back condition (claimed as secondary to right knee disability), and neck condition (claimed as secondary to right knee disability) due to lack of evidence showing that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right foot and left foot, finding that there is at least an approximate balance of evidence to support the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from February 1, 2006 due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder. He is also granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination reports and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for a higher back rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied due to her failure to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that she is currently employed and unable to secure or maintain full-time, competitive employment as a result of her service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip and left hip osteoarthritis as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The case is REMANDED for further development regarding the Veteran's neck disability and headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of right hip osteoarthritis is related to an in-service car accident and continuous symptoms since service separation. The decision also resolves doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development and adjudication due to failure to comply with previous remand orders. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected lumbosacral sprain and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right wrist. The issue of service connection for bilateral pes planus is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion and need for additional development.