Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has found that the evidence is at least in approximate balance regarding whether the Veteran's right shoulder conditions are related to his active service. The claims for service connection for right shoulder conditions have been remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various musculoskeletal conditions have been granted, with a specific rating of 40 percent for the right upper extremity weakness resulting from stroke.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and left lower extremity radiculopathy are granted service connection. The claims for left ankle disability and right hip condition are remanded.

The Veteran's left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with degenerative arthritis could have manifested during service, within one year of service, or be otherwise related to service. The remanded opinion will determine this.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The case will be returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's chronic bronchitis remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine has been rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5242. The Board found that his range of motion did not warrant a higher rating due to pain and functional loss.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for left shoulder disabilities and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that November 20, 2018 is the earliest possible effective date.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for RLE and LLE radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for lumbar spine disability has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 28, 2009. The Board has granted TDIU from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities on a causation basis, with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and his claims for increased ratings of degenerative arthritis of the spine with spinal stenosis, radiculopathy left lower extremity, and radiculopathy right lower extremity were also granted. The effective dates are not specified as they are based on when the claims were filed or denied.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and associated bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies are granted, effective from January 31, 2013. A TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's authorized representative withdrew the appeal regarding his service-connected degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, resulting in its dismissal.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's arthritis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the A&A rate was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not result in a need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left knee and left hand disabilities were denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.,Service connection requires a diagnosis of current disability, in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury, and a causal relationship between the current disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service despite conflicting opinions from VA examiners. The appeal was decided in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right wrist (major extremity), finding that his constant pain effectively precludes all movement due to ankylosis in a resting position.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis, left knee is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.