Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and lumbar DDD/spondylosis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for lumbar spinal stenosis to obtain an addendum opinion considering the impact of pain medications on the Veteran's back symptoms.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, thus the Board has no jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for right shoulder rotator cuff tendinosis and arthralgia, in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, in excess of 10 percent for right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, and in excess of 20 percent for chronic right ankle sprain to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, left ear hearing loss, left hand frostbite, right hand frostbite, and knee joint osteoarthritis. The Veteran's appeal was also remanded for further development of the claims for a headache disorder and lumbar spine disorder.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Veteran's back disability was granted a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, from March 9, 2021. The other issues were remanded for further consideration.

The Board remands the issues for further development and a new VA examination to address the severity of the Veteran's right knee disabilities without the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities for a new VA examination and etiological opinion due to inadequate previous opinions.

The Board granted service connection for right leg length discrepancy secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disabilities and remanded several other claims related to his pelvic fractures and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from January 15, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her so helpless as to require the aid and attendance of another person, thus granting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for left foot acquired pes planus and plantar fasciitis, but denied increased ratings for hypertension, allergic rhinitis, right foot degenerative arthritis with plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus, metatarsalgia, and Morton's neuroma, depressive disorder, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board restored the 70 percent evaluation for major depressive disorder, denied an increased rating, and remanded several other claims.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease and spondylolisthesis of the thoracolumbar spine and left shoulder rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning October 29, 2008, and the earlier effective date claims for service connection were either dismissed or remanded.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, including lumbar spondylosis with arthritis and scoliosis, to obtain an addendum medical opinion that adequately addresses the evidence of record.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis to obtain additional treatment records.

The Board granted service connection for cervical strain, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and scoliosis, and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis based on the Veteran's credible lay statements and continued symptoms since service.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, finding it related to the Veteran's duties as a helicopter pilot during ACDUTRA.