Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions. The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and degenerative arthritis, cervical strain, and LLE radiculopathy cases are still pending for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's neck disability, rated at 30 percent, is denied a higher rating as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and notification issues. The AOJ must obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's back, hip, and leg disabilities are directly related to his active service or secondary to a previously service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the bilateral hip osteoarthritis is secondary to service-connected chronic left quadriceps strain and whether obesity played a role in causing or aggravating the condition.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder (degenerative arthritis) and cervical spine disorder (cervical strain), finding that the evidence did not support a link to service. The claim for nosebleeds was also denied as there is no current diagnosis.,Service connection was granted for multiple myeloma prior to August 10, 2022, on a direct basis.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is granted since May 28, 2015. From September 20, 2017 to November 25, 2020, the Veteran qualifies for a higher level of SMC at the (m) level due to his PTSD rating. As of November 25, 2020, he is eligible for an additional intermediate rate increase to the (m 1/2) level.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the effects of medications on the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated at 10 percent since December 28, 2016. The Board denied an increased rating for this condition from that date to September 9, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment from January 1, 2010 to December 4, 2018.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to his service-connected lumbar strain and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine and cervical strain due to insufficient medical opinion regarding direct, secondary, or aggravation causation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain post-service medical records from June 2024.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective August 23, 2017, as this is the earliest date his disabilities meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is etiologically related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for moderate chronic bilateral dry eye syndrome and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings, but also noted errors in obtaining relevant private treatment records and remanded to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, including spondylosis, degenerative arthritis, and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (back disability), is attributable to an injury sustained during her active duty service on March 12, 2014. The claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and the proposed reduction in his cervical spine disability rating have been withdrawn, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for lumbar spine disability, peripheral vision loss, left side inguinal hernia, and right ankle osteoarthritis. The evidence received since the July 2018 rating decision is considered new and relevant to these conditions.