Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right fifth finger fracture is rated as noncompensable prior to January 16, 2020, and since February 28, 2022. From January 16, 2020, to February 28, 2022, a 10 percent rating for the right fifth finger fracture is granted. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee strain are both remanded for further development.

The Veteran's dental disabilities and dyshidrotic eczema have been granted service connection. The right shoulder disability, right lower extremity disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic headaches, right shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar spine osteoarthritis, left shoulder bursitis (prior to March 18, 2015), knee arthritis, hand degenerative joint disease, ankle strains, and cervical osteoarthritis, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 22, 2017. The Board granted the Veteran's TDIU claim based on this evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and meniscal tear of the right knee are remanded due to outstanding medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depressive disorder and knee conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 20, 2012. The Board granted the TDIU claim effective from that date.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and rating consideration. The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a head injury was withdrawn, and the maximum schedular disability rating for his left knee replacement is maintained. Issues regarding increased ratings for right knee disability, shortening of the left leg, right shoulder recurrent dislocation, and facial scars are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional examinations and development, including obtaining information about the Veteran's employment history and education level.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and somatic disorder, is granted as service-connected. The low back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but the issues of service connection for sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include anxiety and depression), osteoarthritis of the right ankle, osteoarthritis of the left ankle, and lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease are remanded. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine with lumbar spine mild compression fracture, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU, but his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, sciatic and femoral radiculopathy in both lower extremities, and TDIU/SMC claims are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is related to service and granted.,The Veteran's tinnitus is related to service and granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, high blood pressure, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine (previously rated as thoracic scoliosis) was denied. The Veteran received a 10 percent rating for his high blood pressure effective October 24, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that the current disabilities are not related to military service.,Service connection was also denied for residuals of a right wrist burn due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of left knee, left ankle, degenerative arthritis left shoulder, and degenerative arthritis right shoulder conditions. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea is also REMANDED.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine with spinal stenosis is granted, related to an in-service back injury.

The Veteran's left foot injury and degenerative arthritis are rated at a 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5284, but no separate rating is granted for the degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder is reopened, and the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for his right knee disability is remanded.