Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The veteran was granted an initial 20 percent rating for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with limited flexion prior to July 29, 2020, and a 10 percent rating for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with limited extension for the entire period on appeal. A 20 percent rating for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with thigh impairment from August 5, 2006 was also granted. However, ratings in excess of 40 percent for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with limited flexion from July 29, 2020 and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with thigh impairment prior to August 5, 2006 were denied.

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for their psychiatric disability and degenerative arthritis of the spine ratings, as well as TDIU and DEA eligibility, was granted.

The veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings was remanded. The veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities starting from March 20, 2019.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for a 40 percent disability rating for spine issues and service connection for radiculopathy in both legs.

The veteran was granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and basic eligibility to Dependents' Education Assistance. The issues related to ratings for right shoulder degenerative arthritis and right humeral fracture residuals were remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for right knee strain with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, and for service connection for hearing loss. The VA did not comply with previous remand instructions, including verifying the veteran's address and scheduling necessary examinations.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain adequate medical opinions. The Veteran's claims could not be adjudicated on the merits due to inadequate medical evidence.

The Board denied higher ratings for the veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted. The claims for higher initial evaluations for bilateral flat foot degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy were denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxious distress, was granted. Claims for bilateral hearing loss and sleep apnea were denied. Other claims related to various conditions were remanded for further review.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's left hip osteoarthritis, stating that it was not shown to have originated during active service and is not related to any service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) based on service-connected disabilities was granted. The Board found that the veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis has been granted.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability and right knee degenerative arthritis due to insufficient evidence. The veteran will have additional opportunities to submit evidence.

The veteran's claim for service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood as secondary to service-connected disabilities was granted. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia in both knees were denied, but separate ratings of 10 percent for recurrent subluxation of both knees were granted. Additionally, the veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The veteran's service connection for left elbow and shoulder disabilities is granted.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied. However, the veteran was granted a higher initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS and lumbosacral strain on and after February 8, 2018.

The Board granted an effective date of February 26, 2021 for service connection for PTSD and a 20 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine strain and degenerative arthritis.

The Board remanded all issues to the VA for further examination. The Veteran's service in Southwest Asia will be considered.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claims for left hip and right shoulder disabilities are remanded for further examination.