Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) — all decisions

The Board granted service connection for a deviated septum and right wrist pain, while denying service connection for sleep apnea. The decision also addressed various rating issues and effective dates.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was granted, and the effective date for the award of a 30 percent rating for limited flexion in the left knee was denied.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's lumbar spine disorder, left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve disorders, polycythemia vera, and hand and finger disorders as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, continuity of symptomatology, or a nexus to service.

The Board granted an initial, 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left ankle degenerative arthritis with lateral collateral ligament sprain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee conditions, as well as a compensable rating for scars of the right knee.

The Board granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and right middle finger strain with degenerative arthritis. The claim for tuberculosis was denied.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's thoracic spine degenerative arthritis is caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of service connection for degenerative arthritis left knee and right knee strain with osteoarthritis.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for right hand, thumb degenerative arthritis to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to provide an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board granted an effective date of January 25, 2022, for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee joint osteoarthritis, and right knee total replacement.

The Board granted service connection for a left knee, right knee, left hip, and right hip disability prior to the Veteran's death, as these disabilities were found to be directly related to an injury sustained during active military service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection and denied increased ratings for various disabilities, but granted a separate rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy from October 20, 2020.

The Board dismissed the appeals for earlier effective dates of service connection and DEA benefits, as they were not properly before the Board. The issues related to increased ratings and TDIU/Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) are remanded.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2024 rating decision.