Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, which is granted as special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's claim of increased rating for left knee condition and service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder are both remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development due to errors in the previous rating decision, including an inadequate VA examination and mischaracterization of a private physical therapy record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's substantive appeal was timely filed, granting his claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability is remanded for further development to determine if it was caused or aggravated by service, specifically ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for depression is granted. The Board also remands the issues of rating for left knee disability, service connection for right knee condition, and TDIU.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as moot due to a recent grant in an April 2022 rating decision. Service connection was granted for hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic kidney disease, and PTSD was rated at 70 percent disabling. The appeals for melanoma, lumbar degenerative arthritis, and hypothyroidism were also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, is at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, medial and lateral meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament tear, finding that these conditions are related to a left knee injury sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from July 21, 2016 to April 26, 2021. From April 26, 2021, the issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot as he is already in receipt of a combined schedular evaluation of 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine degenerative arthritis and strain residuals is being remanded due to a lack of adequate examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate VA examination, and no specific rating assigned or effective date provided.

The Board denied service connection for a neck condition and a back condition, finding that the conditions are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's testimony indicated his neck and back conditions were caused by compensating with his right hand due to left-hand injuries. However, VA examiners concluded these conditions are unrelated to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran's scars of the wrists, knees, and left shoulder were not found to meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's hip and shoulder conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations, with some granted ratings for specific issues.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea are granted service connection, while the claim for inguinal hernia is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for sleep disability, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The Veteran's claims are not granted as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any event during service.

The Board has found that additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's ball of the right foot disability, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, and osteoarthritis of the right hip. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, which may be secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The examiner will assess whether obesity acts as an intermediate step connecting his obstructive sleep apnea to a service-connected disability.