Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted an initial increased rating of 50 percent, effective December 13, 2023.,Service connection for right shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis has been established. The Veteran is also service-connected for hepatic steatosis secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, combined to render her unable to secure and maintain a substantially gainful occupation. As such, she is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, status post lumbar laminectomy is rated at 10 percent prior to November 17, 2023. The claim for an increased rating is denied as his symptoms are most nearly contemplated by the current disability ratings.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 3, 2006 for the grant of service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and corresponding Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) for loss of use of a creative organ.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

An earlier effective date of March 9, 1998 for service connection for degenerative arthritis of thoracolumbar spine is granted.,Entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back injury and resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines and right hip pain, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the right knee is granted an initial 10 percent rating. The ratings for limitation of extension and flexion in the right hip, as well as thigh impairment in the left hip, are denied.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was reduced from 20% to 10%, and the Board has now restored the original 20% rating.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to incomplete medical records and the need for a retrospective medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee strain and degenerative arthritis of the spine are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for instability of the left knee effective April 16, 2010. However, the Veteran's increased ratings claim remains on appeal as his left knee increased rating claim is remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claims of increased ratings for left shoulder degenerative arthritis, external hemorrhoids, and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions related to his back disability have been denied. The low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective November 16, 2022.