Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and disc disease with scoliosis, post-surgery; cervical spine arthritis, post-surgery; and left knee disability, to include meniscal tear and arthritis, post-surgery. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service physical stress and subsequent diagnosed disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is rated at 10 percent under Code 5003 and a separate 10 percent rating under Code 5259, resulting in an overall combined rating of 20 percent for the disability.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, including degenerative arthritis, finding that the most persuasive evidence of record is against finding any such condition was shown as chronic in service or related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at other than the housebound rate was denied as he did not meet the criteria for this benefit during the specified period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate nexus opinions and a need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's right knee condition is currently diagnosed, but there are questions about its onset during service or related to service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the medical evidence did not support an increased rating based on the criteria provided.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, trapezius muscle spasms, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the RO's failure to substantially comply with previous Board remand instructions and legal inaccuracies in their subsequent rating decision.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 10 percent prior to June 15, 2022, and increased to 40 percent from October 1, 2022. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and sciatic radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been denied due to failure to appear for scheduled examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's back, right knee, and left knee disorders were not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The evidence does not establish continuity of symptomatology since service.,The Veteran's bilateral eye conditions (myopia, chorioretinal scars, and staphyloma) are considered congenital defects and not diseases for VA compensation purposes. There is no clear and unmistakable evidence that these preexisted service or were aggravated by service.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, as the previous VA examiner did not adequately address the Veteran's lay statements about in-service and post-service symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and a left hip disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or any other compensable condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development to obtain physical therapy records and medical opinions regarding the appellant's claimed neck, shoulder, and back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his hearing officer at a previous hearing, and because of new evidence submitted by the appellant. The Veteran is now required to provide additional evidence supporting his service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's back condition is being reviewed again with additional information from his Reserve service.

The Veteran's osteoporosis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent prior to January 27, 2022. The claim for a higher rating remains on appeal.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent from January 27, 2022. The claim for a higher rating remains on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for bilateral flatfoot and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The issues of cervical spine, right hand, left hand, sciatica (right and left lower extremities), and talofibular ligament strain of the right ankle will be addressed.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral ankles and prostate cancer, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.