Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and right ankle disorder as a residual of a right fifth metatarsal fracture, both found to be related to service.,Both conditions were initially denied in March 2014 but reopened due to new evidence. The claims are now considered granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent each, and the Board finds no basis for higher ratings. The TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain (low back disability) and right foot degenerative arthritis (right foot disability).,Service connection is denied for a lineal mid-forehead scar and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).

The Veteran's right hand disability, characterized by decreased grip strength and sensory loss, is rated at a 30 percent effective May 4, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination and the need for a new one.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings in several conditions, including left sided sciatica radiculopathy and sinusitis. The Veteran's lumbar spine scar and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine were granted initial compensable ratings, while his spermatocele (status post vasectomy) and right ankle sprain with instability were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right knee disability and other musculoskeletal issues, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 19, 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back condition, right knee condition, and asthma are not service-connected.,Specifically, the Board found no causal relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his active-duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the etiology of his cervical spine disability, assess the severity of his lumbar spondylosis, right knee strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and TDIU. The issues on appeal include service connection for a cervical spine disability, increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis, right knee strain, and left knee degenerative joint disease, as well as TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee osteoarthritis is not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a connection between his in-service injury and his current condition.

The appeals seeking higher initial evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the left hip, right knee, and left knee are dismissed. The Veteran's claims for (non-abdominal) scars, pain residual of abdominal scar associated with scars, psoriasis, and TDIU have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of the severity of his conditions during the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The claim for bronchitis was denied as the current level of disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. For hypertension, a 10 percent evaluation is granted from August 30, 2019 to September 1, 2020 and denied thereafter. A 10 percent evaluation is also granted for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and levoscoliosis prior to September 2, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot osteoarthritis with calcaneal spur, a back disorder, and myelopathy and neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities. The decision is based on direct service connection due to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's right knee instability was granted a rating of 30 percent effective from August 25, 2021. A separate 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the right knee with painful limitation of flexion is also granted since July 13, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disability, osteoarthritis (hip), and headache disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, these claims are still pending as they were not granted.,VA has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to April 6, 2021, and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.,From April 6, 2021 onwards, the Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.,The Veteran was granted a separate rating of 10% for tension headaches associated with his cervical spine disability.

Effective dates of December 30, 2010 for service connection were granted for left ankle traumatic arthritis and anterior talofibular ligament tear residuals, right ankle traumatic arthritis, right knee instability, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee instability. Effective date of May 7, 2012 was granted for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence.