Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The veteran's rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with degenerative disc disease was restored to 40 percent, but a higher rating was denied.

Service connection for the veteran's left knee conditions was denied. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine disability were remanded for further review.

The veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates was dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeal.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for back disability was denied, but the claim for a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service-connected right knee conditions. The veteran did not file a claim before April 13, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's neck, back, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities. The Board also denied service connection for bilateral shoulder disability.

The veteran's service connection for right knee disability is granted. The Board found that the veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was caused by service.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, both secondary to service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted. A 50 percent rating for PTSD was also granted, but the issue of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Board remanded the case to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate VA examination. The appellant will undergo a new VA examination to determine the severity of his lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis was denied. The claims for service connection for right testicle removal and TDIU were remanded.

The veteran's appeals for higher ratings for left and right knee conditions were dismissed because the veteran withdrew the appeals.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for tinnitus and right knee scar was denied. The claims for right knee degenerative arthritis, instability, and limitation of extension were remanded for further examination.

The Board remanded the Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to errors in the duty to assist. The Veteran will undergo further medical examinations.

The veteran's service connection for tinnitus and both knee conditions was granted. Other claims were remanded.

The Board granted an effective date of September 8, 2009 for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve and September 9, 2016 for a 40 percent rating for low back disability. Other issues were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to October 25, 2021, for service connection of several conditions. The earliest effective date is October 25, 2021.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claims for increased ratings for knee conditions were remanded for further evaluation.

The appeal for service connection of a back disability is remanded. The Board needs to verify the Veteran's duty status during a specific injury period.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,For the entire period of his claim, the Veteran has been assigned the maximum schedular rating for his left knee instability. Therefore, an increased rating is denied.