Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an extension of a temporary total disability rating, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded one issue due to a need for additional medical evidence.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for thoracic spine strain, lumbar spine strain, degenerative arthritis, and intervertebral disc syndrome to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis and remanded the claims for a left knee condition, post traumatic residual pain and dysfunction of the right knee, low back condition, and right hamstring condition.

The Board granted a temporary total evaluation for the Veteran's right knee following a total knee replacement surgery in August 2020.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and TDIU due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board restored the 10 percent disability ratings for limitation of flexion in both knees, as the reduction was improper due to a failure to provide proper notice.

The Board denied the claims for restoration of higher ratings and service connection for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support an improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board granted service connection for multiple musculoskeletal disabilities, including cervical spine degenerative disc disease and bilateral joint osteoarthritis, based on in-service exposure to PCBs.

The Board remands the issues of increased disability ratings for various conditions due to a failure to substantially comply with previous directives.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for left knee instability with degenerative arthritis, while denying increased ratings for the left knee strain and lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee limitation of flexion, but granted a 40 percent rating for left knee limitation of extension.

The Board granted service connection for sciatic radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, asthma (claimed as respiratory condition, lung condition, and chronic tussis/cough), and degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis of the left knee. The claims for flare ups, limited extension, and limited flexion were denied. Several other claims were remanded.

The Board granted a 40% rating for bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and TDIU, but denied increased ratings for the back condition, lumbar scar, and other hip conditions.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back condition, right knee osteoarthritis, and GERD and hiatal hernia to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability, effective January 24, 2022. The Board also granted an earlier effective date for GERD.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, finding it to be causally related to his active service.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as he is shown to be employed fulltime as a police officer earning over $67,000 per year.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for right ankle arthritis, left ankle arthritis, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee.