Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the left wrist was dismissed because the veteran did not clearly identify a specific error. The veteran can refile with more details.

The Veteran's low back disability has not been manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, and there have not been incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician having a total duration of at least six weeks during the 12-month period. As such, the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his low back disability has been denied.

The Board dismissed the legacy appeal for three issues related to cervical spondylosis and right knee degenerative arthritis due to a valid opt-in by the Veteran to the AMA review system.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining a new opinion on service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an adequate VA examination or medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's tibia and knee conditions.

The Board remands the claims for further development as the current evidence is inadequate to properly assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for right knee osteoarthritis manifesting in limitation of extension from August 3, 2023 onward. The Veteran's other claims were denied.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for a left foot disorder, increased ratings for right knee conditions, and TDIU due to further development needed.

The Board remands the issue of service connection for left knee joint osteoarthritis to obtain a new examination opinion addressing whether it was aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a left foot disability as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected right foot and ankle osteoarthritis. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for several conditions, including neck disability, shoulder disability, and various joint issues. The decision was based on errors in duty to assist and the need for further development of the evidence.

The veteran's appeal for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The veteran's ratings for lumbar degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy were restored to 20 percent. The veteran was granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound criteria.

The veteran's appeals for knee ratings were dismissed as he withdrew them. The appeal for service connection of a psychiatric disorder was remanded for further evaluation.

The veteran is granted an initial rating of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a separate rating of 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy from June 4, 2020.

Service connection for right shoulder arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and right elbow arthritis is granted. Other issues related to the knees are denied.

Service connection for the veteran's left knee meniscal tear with degenerative joint disease and right knee degenerative arthritis, claimed as secondary to a service-connected left ankle injury, is denied.

The Board remanded all issues to the Regional Office for further development of evidence and a new decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for right knee degenerative arthritis, stating that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 10 percent.

Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder is granted. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The veteran's claim for service connection for stress urinary incontinence as secondary to lumbar radiculopathy was granted. The effective date for service connection for sciatic radiculopathy, right lower extremity was set to January 18, 2022. An increased disability rating of 20 percent for left knee joint osteoarthritis with limited flexion from August 11, 2021, to February 2, 2023, was granted. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder from February 16, 2021, to February 2, 2023, was denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's right shoulder disability and service connection for a left eardrum burst.