Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left-hand disability, including osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, and peripheral neuropathy, finding that it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and intervertebral disc syndrome has been granted. Service connection is also granted for hypertension. The issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings and increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding VA or private treatment records and undertake additional development if necessary.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left foot disability is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any current left foot disability is related to active service or caused by other service-connected disabilities.,Claims for higher ratings for chronic sinusitis prior to March 2, 2020, and from March 2, 2020, are both denied. The Veteran has experienced non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis in the past year but no incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's reduction from a 50% to a 10% rating for bilateral pes cavus was denied, and he is now rated at 30%. The appeal is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis resulted in limited flexion, extension, and adduction. A 10 percent rating was granted for limitation of adduction, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for cause of death is remanded due to new and relevant evidence. The VA will readjudicate this issue in the first instance, taking into consideration all of the evidence of record within the applicable period.

VA correctly calculated and paid retroactive compensation benefits to the Veteran for the period from November 2020 through May 2022, but denied additional retroactive payments as no VA compensation benefits were withheld beginning June 1, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for many daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of his daily environment without the assistance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 20 percent since February 7, 2021. This rating is granted for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney withdrawing from representing him in all claims before VA.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC claims for prior to August 23, 2018, were denied as his unemployability was not solely due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain additional medical records and service personnel records, as well as a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right shoulder disability. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on eleven service-connected disabilities is dismissed due to the absence of a notice of disagreement (NOD) for the October 2017 rating decision that awarded the maximum, 50 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease was granted service connection. The case is remanded for a new VA medical opinion regarding the bilateral foot condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various hip, foot, and low back disorders due to inadequate medical opinions in the prior decision.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left and right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The issues of service connection for a bilateral hand disability, sinus disability, retention cyst maxillary sinus, varicose vein disability of the bilateral lower extremities, urinary incontinence disability, and service connection for sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lumbar radiculopathy, and left knee posttraumatic osteoarthritis have been granted initial ratings. A TDIU has also been granted.

Service connection is granted for degenerative arthritis of the spine and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine.,Service connection is denied for a fatigue condition.