Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board remands the claim for a higher disability rating for left knee degenerative arthritis to correct a duty to assist error related to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lower back disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and internal and external cutaneous nerve radiculopathies. However, it granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy in both lower extremities from April 1, 2020, and awarded TDIU effective February 1, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's low back, left knee, right knee, and obstructive sleep apnea disabilities as there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board remands the case for further development as additional evidence and clarification are needed to properly adjudicate the issues on appeal.

The Board granted service connection for rectal scarring, rash, and discomfort due to an in-service sexual assault. The claims for other conditions were remanded for further development.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's knee disabilities, except for granting a 10 percent rating for left and right knee meniscal conditions.

The Veteran was granted an initial rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to May 4, 2016, and a 10 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity prior to January 2, 2015. The claims for higher ratings were denied in other periods.

The Board remands the issues of increased ratings for a low back disability and entitlement to TDIU due to worsening symptoms.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder, to include degenerative arthritis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor. Other claims were remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral elbow and shoulder disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions that did not consider the Veteran's lay statements.

The Board denied service connection for a right lower extremity neurological disorder, including restless leg syndrome, and granted ratings of 20 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability based on limitation of flexion from April 27, 2016 to December 23, 2021, as well as for right knee instability and a meniscus tear during the same period.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the right knee scar disability and remanded issues related to increased ratings for knee and thigh disabilities as well as service connection for a lower leg calf disorder.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar condition, to include spinal stenosis. The other issues were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for tarsal tunnel syndrome of the left and right lower extremities, bilateral feet disorder, hypertension, bladder disorder, and headache syndrome. The remaining claims were remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a left hand disability and initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder degenerative arthritis and bilateral hearing loss. However, the Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for dry eye syndrome.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased ratings for degenerative arthritis with spondylosis of the cervical spine and right shoulder tendinitis.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a 50 percent rating for TMJD, effective May 23, 2021. The claim for FSAD was denied, while service connection for a lumbar spine disorder was granted.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a skin disability, lumbar spine disability, and osteoarthritis of the right wrist to correct pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hemorrhoids, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis with patellar instability due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for higher-level review of the denials of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertensive vascular disease, and degenerative arthritis of the spine.