Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions. The Veteran is required to provide an in-person examination and obtain a new addendum opinion addressing his reports of neck pain, discomfort, and limited motion for the cervical spine claim, and back symptoms for the degenerative arthritis claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including rescheduling of VA examinations to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hip disability.

The Veteran's request for an extension of the temporary total disability rating for his right knee replacement is denied because the medical evidence does not support severe postoperative residuals or major joint immobilization.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the Veteran's right knee disability caused his left knee strain and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease was denied in March 2015. He filed a new claim on May 3, 2016, which resulted in the grant of service connection. The Board found that the earliest effective date for this service connection is May 3, 2016.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have not been characterized by significant functional impairment, and the current ratings for her right and left knee conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 8, 2024 is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence and obtain an addendum medical opinion from the September 2020 VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder tendinosis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, neck arthritis, LUE nerve disability as secondary to service-connected neck arthritis, and RUE nerve disability as secondary to service-connected neck arthritis.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on the evidence of record showing a current disability that is related to in-service injury or events.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for a back condition, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of a back disability incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, left knee strain, and right knee strain due to pre-existing duty to assist errors. The VA clinician is requested to provide opinions regarding direct and secondary service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to December 30, 2022, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable within one year prior to his formal TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the spine, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment from September 11, 2014 to January 15, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to a lack of relevant documentation in his STRs and post-service treatment records, which may affect the determination of service connection.