Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a back condition, finding that there was no evidence of a back injury in service and insufficient medical opinion to establish a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date is not warranted for the grant of a separate 10% rating for left knee instability, as there is no indication of such condition prior to the June 2018 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, with no higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, an initial increased rating for avulsion fracture talus with degenerative arthritis of the right foot, and an initial increased rating for left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability was reduced from 30% to 10%, but the rating is now restored. Service connection for a right hip disability and low back disability as secondary to his right knee disability are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to tend to basic functions of self-care and required the regular aid and attendance of another individual, leading to a grant of SMC based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate is moot due to the inclusion of this benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for panic disorder, GERD, and service connection for a right knee condition due to outstanding private treatment records not being obtained. The issues remain in appellate status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease or injury during service and that the current condition is more likely due to normal wear and tear. The Board also found that the condition is not secondary to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates are being dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing their appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple cervical spine disabilities, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and left shoulder strain residuals are being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is remanded due to conflicting findings regarding functional loss during flare-ups. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to December 3, 2019 remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral knee condition, joint pain (claimed as polyarthritis), and low back disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are MUCMIs.

The Veteran's headaches are granted a 50% rating as of July 24, 2018. The remaining issues on appeal (left shoulder condition, right shoulder labral tear with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine disability, right knee condition, muscle strain of the bilateral arms, thighs, and calves, reactive airway disease with asthma, and IBS) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, and therefore denied his claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative disc disease was denied. The rating before December 1, 2022, is still at 10 percent, while the rating since December 1, 2022, is now at 40 percent.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for cystic kidney disease is denied.,His rating for hemorrhoids remains at 10 percent, as there is no evidence of persistent bleeding or secondary anemia.

The Veteran's appeals for TDIU, service connection for various foot conditions, and hallux valgus were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate these claims as they are not related to the appellant.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that it was aggravated by his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's left foot disability is granted a 10 percent evaluation, subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards. Other claims are remanded.