Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for service-connected lumbar disc disease, L5 (back disability) has been denied. The current examination findings warrant a 40 percent disability rating and no higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination in 2020, lack of relevant medical records, and need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the relationship between current left foot disabilities and service, including a shrapnel wound.

The Veteran's hypertension and generalized anxiety disorder are granted service connection based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange. His right hip joint replacement is granted a rating of 70 percent, which is the maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability and a TDIU prior to November 27, 2019 due to insufficient evidence regarding whether he has unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability and degenerative arthritis of the spine. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened, and service connection for PTSD is granted. An initial rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to February 27, 2020 is also granted. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disabilities are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic left knee condition during service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that the current left knee osteoarthritis is not related to service or a service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his right knee osteoarthritis and right ear hearing loss have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically left knee chondromalacia with osteoarthritis and right knee chondromalacia with osteoarthritis, have been granted a disability rating of 20 percent for each knee. Additionally, separate ratings of 20 percent have been assigned for left knee lateral instability and right knee lateral instability.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is granted a 10 percent rating effective January 14, 2014. A higher rating for the period prior to August 26, 2015, and from May 1, 2011, is denied.,Separate ratings are needed for superficial peroneal and deep peroneal nerve impairments. The Veteran's superficial peroneal and deep peroneal nerve impairments need further evaluation to determine if they overlap with his sciatic nerve impairments.,The Veteran's IVDS of the right sciatic nerve is denied a rating in excess of 20 percent from May 1, 2011. The Veteran's IVDS of the left sciatic nerve is also denied a rating in excess of 20 percent from May 1, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is now rated at 40 percent, effective October 28, 2019. The appeal was granted for the entire period prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the spine, is presumed to have been incurred in service due to continuous symptoms since separation. The appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, neck pain, right pectoralis muscle strain, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that his current condition is related to an in-service motor vehicle accident. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a right shoulder injury, finding that there is evidence of current disability and in-service incurrence or aggravation. The Veteran's testimony regarding continuity of symptoms from his in-service injury to the present was found credible.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with spinal stenosis and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as a cervical spine disability. The conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The issues of service connection for cervical, lumbar, and thoracic spine disorders including ankylosing spondylitis are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. Service connection for PTSD is also remanded.