Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examination findings regarding the Veteran's range of motion during flare-ups and repetitive use. The case is now pending for further evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities have been rated as 10% each since the appeal began, with a minimum compensable rating of 20% effective May 23, 2016. The Board found no evidence to support increased ratings under any criteria.,Effective May 23, 2016, VA policy required assignment of a 20% rating for painful motion in the shoulders, but there was no additional or increased range of motion limitations sufficient to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal, resulting in the dismissal of all service connection claims for various knee and hip conditions as well as diverticulitis.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder disabilities, including AC joint osteoarthritis, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and a rotator cuff tear. The Board found that these conditions are related to service due to continuous symptoms since discharge.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate development of the evidence, specifically regarding the severity of her intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to September 12, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as well as his right foot conditions (Morton's neuroma and hallux rigidus), are being remanded for additional development including VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various conditions, including those secondary to a hysterectomy and/or medication prescribed post-surgery, was denied as the evidence did not support that these conditions were caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's right and left hip osteoarthritis and replacement residuals are granted service connection. The issue of TDIU prior to July 8, 2017 is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right hip disabilities, including whether they are related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, including his use of crutches for a service-connected left knee disability, is related to his active duty service or secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip and leg disability including radiculopathy from service-connected lower spine disability, effective June 15, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip arthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, left foot condition, and skin condition of bilateral feet has been granted.,An effective date earlier than March 16, 2015, is not warranted for the award of NSC pension benefits with SMP.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic right knee disorder and TDIU due to the lack of evidence showing a chronic right knee disorder related to active service, and because the Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, and sleep apnea based on the Veteran's credible testimony of in-service injuries and persistence of symptoms since service.,Service connection is established for these conditions as they are found to be causally linked to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has granted a TDIU from March 3, 2015 to June 6, 2022. The claim for an increased rating for left knee chondromalacia is remanded due to the lack of range of motion testing.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension since November 22, 2022. The claim for an increased rating based on meniscus condition remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted, while claims for allergic rhinitis, right eye condition, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, back injury, left knee disability, and hypertension are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The issue of service connection for left shoulder disability, other than left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and left upper extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 30, 2013.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 20 percent from August 1, 2006 to February 7, 2017 and is now granted.