Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for right hip residuals, status post sclerotic lesion excision with degenerative arthritis and limitation of adduction, abduction, and rotation from November 3, 2020 to March 14, 2023, and a 70 percent rating for right hip total replacement. The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip residuals, status post sclerotic lesion incision prior to February 24, 2022, and from April 1, 2022 to March 14, 2023.

The appeal for service connection for a back disability was reopened and granted, while the appeal for sleep apnea was dismissed. The Board also remanded an issue regarding degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor based on continuous symptoms since service.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of various disabilities, except for the right and left sciatic nerve disabilities which were granted an effective date of August 18, 2020.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability and lumbosacral left lower extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for a left hip condition.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew her service connection claims for a lumbar spine condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right hip condition. The Board remanded the issues related to the Veteran's left hip disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and denied service connection for diverticulosis. The claim for a compensable rating for malaria was also denied.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and DDD, finding that the Veteran's pes planus and plantar fasciitis are a 'but-for' cause of his current conditions.

The Board granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence supports a current disability, an in-service injury, and continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis in both feet and remanded a claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The veteran withdrew the appeal for service connection of left hip degenerative arthritis before a decision was made.

The Board denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions but granted a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board granted service connection for left lower extremity (LLE) lumbar radiculopathy and right lower extremity (RLE) lumbar radiculopathy, readjudicated the left elbow condition, and denied service connection for dry eye syndrome. Other claims were dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis, but dismissed the appeal for frequent urination (claimed as a bladder condition).

The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor and finding that the condition is attributable to an in-service injury.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the left groin biopsy scar and remanded several claims, including service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and increased ratings for various hip conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the establishment of service connection for sleep apnea and denied a higher initial rating for sleep apnea. The lumbar spine disability claim was remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol, TMJ, chronic neck pain, gallbladder removal, high blood pressure, inguinal hernia, chronic pain in both feet, left knee disability, and right knee disability as there was no evidence of a current disability or functional impairment that limits earning capacity.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder to correct procedural errors and obtain an adequate medical opinion.