Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted initial ratings for DJD of the thoracic spine, right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left knee limitation of extension, while denying higher ratings. The Veteran was also awarded SMC based on regular need for aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for pneumonia, a lung disability, an acquired psychiatric disability, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, deteriorating disc disease, left knee, right knee, left hip, and right hip disabilities. The Board also denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right shoulder degenerative arthritis and rotator cuff tear.,The decision is based on the evidence of record, which does not support a finding that any of the claimed conditions are related to service or otherwise caused by a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding that new and relevant evidence was not submitted to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain as secondary to patellar femoral syndrome, bilateral knees.

The Board granted a temporary total evaluation for the Veteran's right shoulder disability and an evaluation of 30 percent, but no higher, beginning December 1, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left knee arthritis. The issue of entitlement to service connection for left knee osteochondroma was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial compensable ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date for service connection for a low back disability was April 27, 2016.

The Board granted an effective date of September 8, 2016, for a 40 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with osteopenia and scoliosis.

The Board granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, status post Achilles tendon repair and remanded claims for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent for left hip degenerative arthritis, as there was no basis to award a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased initial ratings and earlier effective dates for service-connected disabilities, finding that the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected right and left shoulder AC joint osteoarthritis, but remanded claims for a separate compensable evaluation for TBI residuals and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board granted an initial 60 percent rating for right knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacement, restored a 20 percent disability rating for mechanical back pain, and denied compensable ratings for the right and left knee surgical scars.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome prior to March 24, 2021.

The Board granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to a continuity of symptomatology since service, but remanded the claim for a sinus condition for further development.

The Board denied service connection for weight gain and remanded several issues related to the Veteran's other claimed disabilities, including ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions and service connection for psychiatric and other medical conditions.

The Board granted service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis and strain with effusion, left foot osteoarthritis, and right foot osteoarthritis based on presumptive service connection. The claim for bilateral plantar fasciitis was remanded.

The Board remands the claim for an increased disability evaluation for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability to ensure compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for the service-connected left elbow disability and TDIU from September 16, 2009.

The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis and 10 percent for scar, residuals of surgery, left knee. The appeal was denied for increased ratings beyond these levels.