Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted an effective date of August 9, 2021, for the award of service connection for lumbosacral spine disability and radiculopathy of both lower extremities but denied earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's left shoulder AC joint osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear, and tendonitis were granted service connection as secondary to his right shoulder disability. The Veteran was also granted an initial 60 percent rating for GERD.

The Board granted service connection for head scars and denied increased ratings for left knee osteoarthritis, right ankle disability, and PTSD with TBI and vertigo.

The Board denied increased ratings for right and left knee osteoarthritis but remanded the claims for instability for further review.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and greater than 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for increased ratings and compensable ratings for various left knee conditions, including osteoarthritis, internal derangement, meniscal tear, painful scars, and post arthroscopic surgery scars.

The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include back pain associated with a right knee replacement and gout affecting multiple joints.

The Board remands the claims for a lumbar spine disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis to ensure that all relevant evidence is considered.

The Board denied the claims for a compensable rating and an increased rating for scars, and remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, and for service connection for a right hip condition.

The Board granted service connection for venous stasis ulcers and remanded the issue of a left elbow disability for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis, service connection for a right ankle disability, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right foot disability to obtain outstanding physical therapy records and a new VA examination.

The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation, as well as a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's right knee surgical scar is granted a rating of 10 percent, while the claims for an earlier effective date and service connection for a right leg length discrepancy are denied. Other claims have been remanded.

The Board remands the claim for a TDIU prior to March 10, 2016, as there is evidence suggesting that the Veteran may have been unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities before meeting the schedular criteria.

The Board remands the claim for a higher disability rating for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease with mild thoracolumbar spondylosis due to a duty to assist error in notifying the Veteran of an examination.

The Board granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and an initial 50 percent disability rating for tension headaches effective June 20, 2017.

The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted a separate 20 percent disability rating for lateral instability of the right and left knees from September 7, 2023, but denied increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of both knees.

The Board granted an effective date of December 23, 2019, for service connection of lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome but denied earlier effective dates for the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and post-concussive headaches.