Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for unspecified mood disorder has been granted, but the claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis as well as TDIU are being remanded.,The Board found that the Veteran's mood disorder warrants a 70 percent rating, while his other conditions require further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development regarding potential exposure to PFAS firefighting foam and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his shoulder conditions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his service-connected disabilities have been denied. The lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the sciatic nerve radiculopathy at 40 percent, and the femoral nerve radiculopathy at 20 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated noncompensable prior to June 7, 2021, and 30 percent thereafter. The Board denied a higher rating for the period on appeal prior to June 7, 2021.,For the period from June 7, 2021, the Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent for lateral instability of the left knee and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her service-connected degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine from August 23, 2013, to October 6, 2021 is remanded due to inadequate development.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration, including service connection claims for various conditions. The effective date of the award of service connection for asthmatic bronchitis is denied.

The Veteran's claims for additional months of service-connected compensation and service connection have been denied. The effective dates for the awards are correct, but the Veteran is seeking an earlier payment start date.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the reduction of his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine rating has been dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending.

The Veteran's left ankle degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271.,The Veteran's left foot degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5284. The Veteran's post-surgical scar on his left foot does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

Effective dates of May 22, 1996 are granted for service connection of left knee limitation of flexion and impairment.,Effective dates of April 14, 1998 are granted for service connection of left hip disability and lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, and PTSD have been granted service connection on a direct basis.,Service connection for ED is remanded as secondary to PTSD. Service connection for headaches is also remanded as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to new evidence received from VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for osteoarthritis is also being remanded.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that entitlement to service connection did not arise until a March 2018 independent medical examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reduction in rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, so this issue is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected conditions and if it is aggravated by those conditions or medications taken for them.