Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. For the period prior to March 30, 2021, his left knee conditions were rated as 10 percent for medial tear with osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellofemoral compartment. From September 1, 2021 onwards, he received a TDIU based on the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the aggravation of his service-connected ulcerative colitis by other conditions. The effective dates and ratings remain pending further review.

The Board has granted service connection for back arthritis and bilateral knee arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his periods of active duty service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for left hip osteoarthritis, left thigh limitation of extension, and left thigh limitation of flexion as they have been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney. The case is remanded for further action on the claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral lichen simplex and chronic dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports regarding the Veteran's right shoulder flareups and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining retrospective medical opinions to estimate range of motion and additional impairment due to pain at specific examination dates.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during the period from September 22, 2009, to prior to December 16, 2017. Therefore, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted for this period.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is rated at 30 percent prior to October 17, 2016, and denied for higher ratings thereafter. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her thoracolumbar osteoarthritis and lumbosacral strain, as well as service connection for her left knee disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of lumbar lower back, but remanded the claims for right shoulder condition and sleep apnea syndrome due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, and tension headaches as secondary to cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left hip disability, finding no evidence of onset in service or within one year of discharge. The Board also found insufficient evidence to support secondary service connection based on sarcoidosis and steroid use, as well as obesity.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted initial disability ratings, with the exception of intervertebral disc syndrome with sacroiliac strain and degenerative arthritis, which has been increased to 40 percent effective June 16, 2021. The remaining conditions have received initial disability ratings ranging from 10 to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability did not begin during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. Increased ratings were awarded for lumbar strain (40%), bilateral foot degenerative joint disease (10%), and migraine cephalgia (30%). The effective date for the increase to a 10 percent rating for bilateral feet degenerative joint disease is May 25, 2017.

The Veteran's cervical spine and right shoulder disorders were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 30 percent from May 15, 2013 to December 14, 2016. From December 15, 2016, the rating remains at 30 percent. The Veteran also received a TDIU and SMC based on his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with myofascial pain syndrome and degenerative arthritis are rated at 20 percent before March 16, 2021, but denied for a rating greater than 40 percent beginning March 16, 2021.