Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied higher staged ratings for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, but granted an effective date of January 11, 2017, for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board granted service connection for a right leg disability, to include intermittent leg ulcer, right degenerative arthritis, and varicose veins, based on the evidence showing that these conditions first manifested during active-duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for his service-connected conditions, except for a 20% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve from October 2, 2020 to April 20, 2022, and a 40% rating since April 20, 2022.

The appeal of the service connection claims for spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was dismissed due to untimely submission of a VA Form 10182.

The Board granted service connection for hemorrhoids, but remanded the claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right hip osteoarthritis, and right knee strain due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board granted initial evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and right leg length discrepancy, while denying an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right hip sprain with impairment of the thigh and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right foot degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, granting special monthly compensation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and remanded the claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

The Board granted an increased rating of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective February 7, 2023.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis, COPD, and right knee osteoarthritis due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board granted service connection for left and right knee degenerative arthritis, denied a compensable rating for migraine headaches, and remanded claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, low back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's back condition, specifically chronic lumbosacral degenerative arthritis, based on a continuity of symptomatology since active duty.

The Board granted an effective date of October 25, 2021, for the award of a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The appeal concerning the evaluation of bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) has been dismissed.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from March 14, 2014. The initial rating for diabetes mellitus type II and the left shoulder condition are denied or partially granted with specific ratings.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for limitation of flexion, knee (osteoarthritis, left knee) and flatfoot, acquired (bilateral pes planus/flat feet) due to untimely filing of VA Form 10182. The claim for PTSD was remanded.

The appeal for increased ratings and proposed reductions of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, as well as the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, were dismissed due to the lack of a final decision on these issues.

The Board is remanding the claim for a VA opinion to address evidence of trapezius atrophy and to discount the effects of medications on the disability rating.

The Board granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis based on new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability as the evidence did not support an in-service injury or disease and there was no nexus to service.