Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to May 4, 2022, for a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine, spinal stenosis, and neck injury with cervical degenerative disc disease and severe pain based on credible lay statements and medical evidence.

The Board denied a compensable rating for osteoarthritis of the right little finger and a rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right thumb, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder AC joint osteoarthritis and denied initial disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve.

The Board granted service connection for right foot plantar fasciitis and right hip condition, both as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and assigned a 40 percent rating for lumbar degenerative arthritis prior to August 29, 2019.

The Veteran's four left shoulder post-surgical scars are granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The remaining claims for increased ratings are remanded.

The Board granted service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine disability.

The Board remands the claims for further development to obtain an examination that addresses the severity of the Veteran's back condition and radiculopathy, as well as entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for aid and attendance as he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to feed himself, keep himself clean and presentable and protect himself from the hazards or dangers inherent in his daily environment.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), neck degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and an initial compensable rating for acquired psychiatric disorder including major depressive disorder (MDD).

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected Parkinsonism, as it meets the criteria for such benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for a left shoulder disorder, service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, and remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board remands the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, and higher ratings for lumbar strain, right knee instability, right knee osteoarthritis, removal of cartilage of the right knee, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) to obtain additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for right knee rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis but denied service connection for impaired fertility.

The case is remanded for an addendum opinion to address flare-ups and associated range of motion limitations, as well as to obtain private treatment records and a TDIU claim.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability, as the previous examination was found inadequate.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected eye disability, but remanded the claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial compensable ratings for tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for left knee condition, right knee degenerative arthritis, and low back pain as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.