Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied higher ratings for the veteran's service-connected sleep apnea, neck disability, and low back disability. The Board also dismissed claims related to educational assistance and radiculopathy.

The Board remanded the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, finding that adequate medical opinions were not obtained.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was denied. However, a separate 10 percent disability rating for genu recurvatum of the left knee was granted. The increased rating for the right knee disability was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder was granted because it is secondary to their service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal to restore a 40 percent rating for right knee degenerative arthritis was granted, effective October 1, 2019. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) were also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's motion to revise a 1993 rating decision but remanded the claims for service connection for left knee disability and psychiatric conditions, as well as TDIU.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for back issues and radiculopathy was denied. However, the effective date for a higher rating of bipolar II disorder was granted as December 6, 2018.

The Veteran's skin disability, including dermatitis, is granted as secondary to his service-connected carbuncles. The right knee disability and individual unemployability issues are remanded for further review.

The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings were denied, but the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was granted. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was also denied.

The veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claims for specific evaluations of the left knee were remanded.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete records. The issues of colon cancer, alopecia (claimed as hair loss), bilateral hand osteoarthritis, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, and bilateral shoulder osteoarthritis will be addressed again after obtaining additional evidence and opinions.

The veteran's service connection for right and left knee strain with osteoarthritis is granted. The evidence was balanced, but reasonable doubt was resolved in the veteran's favor.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis was denied. The claim for TDIU prior to July 5, 2021, was also denied, but the claim for TDIU from July 5, 2021, was dismissed as moot.

The veteran's claim for service connection of cervical spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) was granted. The Board found that the condition is due to a motor vehicle accident during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The veteran's service connection claims for low back disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, lumbar radiculopathy, and sleep apnea were granted.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's back condition, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and scoliosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis.

The veteran is granted a 20% disability rating for their left ankle condition effective May 3, 2016. Other issues related to carpel tunnel syndrome and cervical spine condition are remanded for further review.

Service connection for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mid and lower back thoracolumbar spine is denied. Service connection for migraines and a rating more than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis cervical spine, spinal stenosis and IVDS are remanded.