Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 21, 2019, for a disability rating of 30 percent for left knee meniscal tear, ACL tear, and osteoarthritis status post left total knee replacement.

The Board denied a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis and non-compensable ratings for right knee flexion, but granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for his service-connected conditions, as well as a TDIU.

The Board denied an effective date prior to September 5, 2023, for a 100 percent rating for MDD and SMC based on housebound criteria. However, it granted service connection for right ear painful scar, right ear surgical scar, and sleep apnea with an effective date of November 30, 2020.

The Board granted service connection for right hip disability and cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's disabilities had their onset in service.

The Board remands the issue of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and acute cervical strain post motor vehicle accident without residuals due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran was granted a separate 30 percent rating for syringomyelia, but the claims for higher ratings for cervical spine degenerative arthritis and for separate or compensable ratings for sinus conditions were denied.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and a left hand disability. The claims for bilateral foot plantar fasciitis and right hand degenerative arthritis were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for increased disability evaluations for left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with small patellar spur and knee joint osteoarthritis, and persistent instability, left knee.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for the residual surgical scar, status post total left knee replacement and increased ratings to 20 percent for complex regional pain syndrome in both lower extremities. Some issues were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis based on new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal of service connection for right and left hip, right and left knee, and back disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need regular aid and attendance, granting special monthly compensation.

The Board granted disability ratings of 20 percent for left knee meniscal tear and instability, and a 10 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion, but denied an increased rating for left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the severity of the conditions during flare-ups and after repetitive use, discounting the ameliorative effects of medications.

The Board denied an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis but granted an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee and shoulder disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable criteria.

The Board granted readjudication of the claims for diabetes, erectile dysfunction, rash, ruptured right ear drum, lower back disc injury, and left knee osteoarthritis based on new and relevant evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right sciatic nerve, and left sciatic nerve.