Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the same condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions, including degenerative arthritis and meniscal tears, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and anxiety), and residuals of a heat stroke are all remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the scar is rated at 0 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the scar is rated at 0 percent.

The Board denied service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's arthritis is not related to his service-connected ganglion cyst and is more likely due to natural aging.,Service connection was also denied for a right arm disorder and left arm disorder, as there was no evidence of chronic symptoms in service or within one year after separation.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records related to the Veteran's right shoulder, right foot, right wrist, right knee, back, and hearing loss disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities and for service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, and stroke residuals are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for left rotator cuff tendinitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, as it represented a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities, as well as service connection for left knee instability, osteoarthritis right knee, osteoarthritis left knee, and right knee instability. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right shoulder conditions, as well as his bilateral knee conditions. The conditions are considered to have had their onset during active service.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right hand, 5th metacarpal fracture is remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the pending claim.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are granted as directly related to his military service. The issues of blood clots in bilateral legs and obstructive sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing from appeal.

The Veteran's shin splints and degenerative arthritis of the knee were denied increased ratings, as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disorder was denied, and the claim for a compensable rating for his surgical scar as secondary to his service-connected disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore grants his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that it had its onset during service or is etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis was dismissed.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is granted due to the Veteran's exposure to burn pits during his service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is currently rated as 20 percent disabling prior to June 23, 2023. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted and he is now rated at 40 percent beginning June 23, 2023.,For the period beginning June 23, 2023, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is manifested by chronic pain resulting in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine during flare-ups and considering functional loss by guarding, of ten degrees, but no worse, as well as favorable ankylosis during flare-ups; it is not shown to result in unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar or of the entire spine.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is rated at 30 percent, effective throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete examination, requiring a new evaluation of the Veteran's right shoulder disability.