Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right hip flexion limitation of motion and a 70 percent rating for his right hip joint replacement, but denied higher ratings for other conditions.

The Board remands the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 10, 2020, and an increased disability rating in excess of 40 percent since that time for the service-connected lumbar spine disability, a separate rating for radiculopathy, and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for right knee instability and denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis prior to January 31, 2023.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a cervical spine condition, including degenerative arthritis, C3-C7; cervical spine degenerative disc disease, including Intervertebral Disc Syndrome of C3-C7; cervical spinal stenosis; right hand and arm neurologic condition, including right cervical radiculopathy; and obstructive sleep apnea to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the August 2020 rating decisions on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, granting an effective date of June 12, 2017, for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left hand and fingers to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's tarsal tunnel syndrome, pes planus with degenerative arthritis, and hallux valgus, as well as service connection for various disorders.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees, but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The back, elbow, and ankle claims were remanded.

The Board granted an initial increased disability rating of 20 percent for right knee joint osteoarthritis with shin splints and service connection for a low back condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating than 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability, as there was no evidence of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or intervertebral disc syndrome requiring physician-prescribed bed rest.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis with degenerative disc disease, migraine headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, DJD of the left shoulder, and a right foot disability to obtain additional medical evidence.

The appeal was dismissed as the proposed severance and reduction of evaluations were not final decisions.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee status post meniscectomy, total knee replacement with residuals secondary to meniscus tear and degenerative joint disease, as they are proximately caused by the Veteran's service-connected ankle condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, a cervical spine disability, and a lumbar spine disability as there was no evidence of an in-service disease or injury, and the post-service medical records did not show that these conditions were related to his service.

The Board remands the case to schedule an examination for a more accurate assessment of the Veteran's GERD symptoms, excluding the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tear, right elbow lateral epicondylitis, lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine, and right hip strain with trochanteric pain syndrome.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis and increased the ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS, left ankle sprain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy to 20 percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right ankle sprain and degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and bulging disc L4-L5, but remanded service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic back condition in service or continuous symptoms since service. The claimant is not entitled to a TDIU as well.