Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board dismissed all issues because the veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement within one year of notification of the January 2007 rating decision.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date earlier than June 1, 2020, for service connection of cervical strain with degenerative arthritis.

The veteran's service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea was granted. The veteran's request for higher ratings for PTSD, CAD, and various forms of arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. However, the veteran was granted TDIU and an effective date for DEA.

The Board granted the appeal concerning the timeliness of the May 2023 VA Form 10182 Board Appeal/NOD.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the spine because the evidence did not show that the Veteran's OSA was caused or aggravated by his back disability.

The veteran withdrew the appeal and is satisfied with their current 100% rating. The Board dismissed all issues on appeal.

The appeal for service connection of a back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, was dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for several conditions but granted an earlier effective date for left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy. Some issues were remanded for further consideration.

The veteran's service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea was granted. The veteran's request for higher ratings for PTSD, CAD, and various forms of arthritis, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, were denied. However, the veteran was granted TDIU and an effective date for DEA.

The Board remanded the claim for a higher disability rating due to issues with the medical examination. The Veteran's representative challenged the competency of the examiner, and the Board agreed that a new examination by a board-certified orthopedic specialist is necessary.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for thoracolumbar spine conditions was dismissed because it was premature.

The veteran's spouse was granted an effective date for special monthly compensation based on housebound status. The claim for a higher rating for the right shoulder condition was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, finding that it was incurred in or caused by active service.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral upper extremity cervical radiculopathy. The Board acknowledged that the medical nexus opinion was inadequate due to overlooked service treatment records.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were mixed. Some conditions, such as left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and left shoulder strain, were granted service connection. Others, like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, were denied.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain was granted, but the request for a higher rating was denied.

The Board remanded all issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims involve various ratings for service-connected disabilities related to the lumbar spine, lower extremities, and knees.

The Board remanded the veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee condition, including as secondary to left knee degenerative arthritis. The VA needs to obtain an adequate medical opinion.

The veteran's request for an increased rating for low back disability was denied, but special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance was granted. Issues related to left hip disability and neurological disability were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it related to the veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.