Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are rated at 20 percent each, but no higher. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his right and left knees due to their flexion and extension limitations.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and left carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right leg length shortening due to his failure to report for necessary VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus and right knee degenerative arthritis due to insufficient evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee is dismissed. The Board also remanded issues regarding increased ratings for service-connected back disabilities, osteoarthritis of the right hip (limitation of flexion), and osteoarthritis of the right hip (limitation of extension).

The Veteran's representative withdrew all issues on appeal in a July 2022 written statement, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate statement of reasons and bases in addressing functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis, finding that his symptoms have been continuous since he was in service and supported by medical records.

The Veteran's disability rating for his service-connected regional myofascial pain syndrome associated with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine and regional myofascial pain syndrome with residual shooting pain in the left hand, spasm and hand closure previously rated as radiculopathy LUE is restored to 30 percent effective April 1, 2018. The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his left shoulder and knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim, was denied. The decision found that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for extension of the left thigh and entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left hip with CAM lesion.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as he did not have any service-connected disabilities at the time of the decision.,Service connection for PTSD and mild depressive and anxiety disorder were granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his military sexual trauma during active duty.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, as the combined range of motion was not less than 170 degrees.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatica is rated at 10 percent, as it did not result in more than mild incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, as diastolic pressure was not predominantly 100 or more and systolic pressure was not predominantly 160 or more.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee condition was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees.,Service connection for bilateral arthritis of the feet was also denied because there is no current diagnosis of arthritis in either foot.

The Veteran's tuberculosis claim was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for metatarsalgia with plantar fasciitis, left foot and right foot was denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service-connected, and the Board finds that it is proximately due to or caused by their service-connected left hip injury. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess additional impairment from the service-connected fractures.

The Veteran's knee and foot conditions have been remanded for further examination and opinion. His TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to non-weightbearing range of motion, functional limitation, and medication effects on the lumbar spine. The right and left foot neuropathy ratings and effective dates need to be addressed. An opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's left ankle disorder is related to active duty service or a 1968 sprain.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right and left hip osteoarthritis is denied. The appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his right shoulder strain is remanded.,Additional information on the impact of flare-ups is needed to determine appropriate functional loss.