Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis with IVDS is remanded due to the need for additional development, including an adequate VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right foot or big toe condition is related to service, specifically an injury from a towbar falling on his toe during service in Germany.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the April 2023 VA examination. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity and functional impairment of the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and additional development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative osteoarthritis of the right knee is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected limitation of flexion from patellofemoral syndrome, right knee, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back condition and a neck/upper back condition, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection was granted for left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist osteoarthritis based on their being secondary to the Veteran's service-connected ganglion cyst.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to September 19, 2017 for a 50 percent rating for service-connected PTSD is denied. The Veteran was previously granted service connection and a 10 percent initial rating for PTSD on May 1, 2009, but did not file a VA Form 9 within the required timeframe to perfect his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment, leading the Board to grant his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with its February 2023 remand directives and requires further development to determine the relationship between the Veteran's current foot conditions and her active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine has been readjudicated due to submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that his current back disability is related to his in-service injuries, including a motor vehicle accident in September 1961.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the condition began during service and continues today.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance and that the current condition is etiologically related to active service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for hemorrhoids with anal fissure and papilla beginning October 12, 2016. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is rated as 10 percent effective July 6, 2017. The Board has also remanded the issues of atopic dermatitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for tinea corporis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an effective date prior to January 24, 2020, for service connection of left knee strain with degenerative arthritis. The case is remanded for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

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

The Board has granted service connection for left tibia and/or fibula fracture, left ankle tendonitis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and right shoulder acromioclavicular joint separation with degenerative arthritis. These conditions are all determined to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbar spine condition has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that new evidence supports these claims. Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine, with right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his service-connected left knee residuals of ACL tear with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.