Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities, including instability, and a TDIU due to an inadequate examination.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and remanded the claims for left carpal tunnel syndrome/median nerve neuropathy (CTS) and right upper extremity neuropathy, including CTS and/or cubital tunnel syndrome/ulnar nerve neuropathy (CBTS).

The Board denied service connection for a low back condition diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and lumbar strain, finding that the evidence did not support a direct link to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied an increased rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board remands the claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain and right ankle osteoarthritis status post right medial malleolar chip fracture due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors made by the AOJ.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, as the earliest possible date under applicable law is October 24, 2019.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining the qualifications of the VA examiner and readjudicating the claims.

The Board denied a compensable rating for left thumb degenerative arthritis prior to September 6, 2023, as the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board remands the claim for a right knee disorder to obtain additional evidence and an adequate medical opinion.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for restoration of ratings and higher ratings for various conditions, as well as earlier effective dates for certain ratings.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar, right knee, and left knee disabilities but granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board also remanded service connection for asthma.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left and right hip osteoarthritis to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident and his obesity.

The Board denied service connection for tinnitus and various musculoskeletal conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 30, 2011, warranting a TDIU.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine, finding credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found that the reduction of ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and right shoulder disability from 20% to 10% and 30% to 20%, respectively, was improper; therefore, these ratings were restored. The increased rating claims for IVDS and a right shoulder disability, as well as the TDIU claim, are remanded.

The Board granted service connection for unspecified depressive disorder as secondary to tinnitus, denied service connection for a left knee disorder and umbilical hernia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability, as there was no evidence of forward flexion of 30 degrees or less or unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a 100 percent disability rating after April 1, 2023 and an increased rating in excess of 20 percent from that date due to her cervical spine disability.