Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee disability, claimed as degenerative arthritis of the right knee, is not service-connected.,The Veteran's sinusitis with epistaxis (claimed as nose bleeds) does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 6510.,The Veteran's environmental allergies do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Codes related to allergic rhinitis.,Prior to November 5, 2020, the Veteran's headaches did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From November 5, 2020 onwards, he is granted a 30 percent disability rating for his headaches.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from October 28, 2019 to November 1, 2022. The VA increased the rating to 100 percent effective November 2, 2022.,SMC was granted for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities from December 2, 2020 to November 1, 2022.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent since July 21, 2022. The rating remains denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are more likely due to age-related degeneration and post-military trauma, rather than his military service.

The Veteran's hip and knee disabilities are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected disabilities have been denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection and increased disability ratings are all set to June 21, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right wrist is being remanded due to inadequate prior examinations and the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, right knee status post total knee arthroscopic repair, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, IVDS of the spine and lumbosacral strain, tinnitus, osteoarthritis of the right ankle, osteoarthritis of the left ankle, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left knee, and rheumatoid arthritis (indicated by pes planus), render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various orthopedic disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the functional impact of flare-ups during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, right hand, right wrist, right foot, and left foot.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis and his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent for the entire period on appeal, with no higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Veteran's left hip, left knee, and neck disabilities are granted as service-connected.,His bilateral hearing loss is not rated higher than noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee condition and granted it. The evidence shows that the Veteran sustained an injury playing volleyball during active duty, which led to current diagnoses of meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected left knee disability as of August 1, 2022. Additionally, he is granted SMC at the housebound rate effective from August 1, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot osteoarthritis with calcaneal spurs and bilateral pes planus, bilateral ankle degenerative arthritis, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis as these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.,Service connection is also granted for non-allergic rhinitis and sleep apnea, both of which had their onset during the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to April 21, 2004 do not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board also denied his claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance prior to March 10, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for a Decision Review Officer hearing.

The Veteran's right hip, left hip and lumbosacral spine disabilities are granted service connection. His hypertension is also granted as secondary to PTSD. Sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to PTSD.