Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability as secondary to his right knee disabilities has been denied. His claims for higher evaluations and compensable ratings for his right knee conditions have also been denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for extraschedular consideration due to his service-connected disabilities prior to June 6, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for left arm acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and left elbow olecranon bursitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active military service. Service connection was denied for left wrist gouty arthritis due to lack of a diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine due to secondary service connection. The hernia residuals claim is also remanded for a new VA examination to address limitation of motion. TDIU remains deferred pending further development.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to comply with prior Board remand directives and obtain additional medical opinions for the issues of service connection, rating, and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, were denied. Separate noncompensable evaluations have been assigned for limitation of extension motion in the knees since February 25, 2022.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left thumb, a left shoulder condition, and ulnar neuropathy of the left elbow. The evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.,Service treatment records showed no complaints or abnormalities of the left hand or shoulder during military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected skin condition and bilateral hand degenerative arthritis. The evidence did not show that he required the regular care or assistance of another person at any time during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, finding that the current disabilities were not incurred or related to service due to lack of continuity and compensable manifestations within one year post-service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his left ankle injury with degenerative arthritis was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The evidence did not show ankylosis or its functional equivalent, and the current range of motion measurements were within normal limits.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by marked limitation of motion and osteoarthritis, has been granted a 20% rating effective from March 23, 2011.

The Board has denied service connection for a lower back disability, but has remanded the issues of service connection for hypertension and COPD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Achilles tendonitis and cervical spine disability, as well as his claim for service connection for a neck disability. The claims are also remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's gout, right foot degenerative arthritis with pes planus, left foot degenerative arthritis with pes planus, bilateral foot metatarsalgia with hammertoes, and bilateral hallux valgus have been granted service connection as they are related to his service-connected bilateral feet calluses.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, with the most recent ratings being 10 percent for each knee since December 16, 2019.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the TDIU claim can be decided. The Veteran's service-connected back disability and other conditions are considered in determining his employability.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is not etiologically related to active service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee rating from non-compensable to 40 percent effective January 1, 2019.

The Veteran's low back condition has worsened, and a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.