Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for left shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, cervical spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease, and left-hand carpal tunnel syndrome. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied, as well as the claim for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, while denying other claims. The remaining claims were remanded.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability in both knees, and denied a TDIU.

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine and IVDS, but granted an earlier effective date of February 1, 2023 for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve.

The Board remands the claims for a new medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left arm condition and the current severity of her right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease, left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis as there was no evidence of a current disability that began during service or is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar scoliosis, but remanded the claims for degenerative arthritis of the spine, IVDS, and degenerative disc disease, left hip disability, right hip disability, and left leg radiculopathy.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, femoral nerve radiculopathy, and left knee instability while granting a 10% rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy from January 24, 2019, to August 30, 2019, and a 20% rating for left knee disability with instability beginning on that date. The Board also granted an initial 100% rating for major depressive disorder (MDD) effective February 5, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus. The claims for increased ratings for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. An effective date of April 23, 2021, was granted for the award of a 100 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for a left shoulder disability, to include osteoarthritis, and an effective date of April 20, 2017, but not earlier, for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. Other claims were denied or remanded.

The Board remands the appeal for further development, specifically to obtain VA treatment records from the CBOC in Charlotte Hall, Maryland.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus, posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder and alcohol/stimulant use disorder, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, right knee disability (degenerative arthritis), and right knee surgical scars. The issues of a low back disability, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, left knee disability, shin splints, right foot disability, and right ankle disability were remanded for further development.

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbar degenerative arthritis and remanded claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an increased rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee degenerative arthritis prior to October 5, 2015.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination related to cold weather training and presumed exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased rating due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left knee conditions, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable criteria.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current condition.

The Board remands the claims for a disability rating higher than 20 percent prior to March 19, 2021, and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to that date for additional development.