Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2025

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and traumatic brain injury, but remanded several other claims related to the character of discharge and various medical conditions.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for left hip osteoarthritis with labral tear, but denied initial compensable ratings for limitation of extension and flexion of the left hip.

The Board determined that the severance of service connection for PTSD, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, radiculopathy, left lower extremity, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and tinnitus was proper due to clear and unmistakable error in the initial award.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine based on a positive nexus between the Veteran's back disabilities and his military service.

The Board remands the claims for higher ratings for right hip conditions due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left thumb sprain. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for left knee instability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left hip degenerative arthritis due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board remands the claims for further development to correct duty to assist errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as his service-connected disabilities did not render him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, nor was he permanently housebound due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome and other service-connected disabilities have been found to warrant increased ratings, with a 40 percent rating granted for the right shoulder disability and TDIU granted.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's neck condition, left-arm and right-arm radiculopathy, low back condition (degenerative arthritis), left-knee meniscus surgery residuals, right-knee meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament surgeries residuals, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for headaches and sinusitis was denied.

The Board granted an effective date of February 15, 2023, for the grant of service connection for right shoulder arthritis and denied a rating higher than 20 percent for left (minor) rotator cuff tendinopathy with degenerative arthritis.

The Board remands the claims for a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee to obtain additional evidence regarding the severity, frequency, and duration of any flare-ups.

The Board granted service connection for a right wrist disability, currently diagnosed as posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the right wrist and advanced, severe scaphoid fracture with nonunion and collapse of the wrist. The issues regarding carpal tunnel syndrome were remanded.

The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left and right shoulder strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine disability (facet arthrosis), and left knee disability (osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease) based on evidence showing chronic conditions in service with continuity of symptoms since separation.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis prior to August 10, 2020, but denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from that date.

The Board remands the case for additional development and consideration of various issues, including increased rating claims for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee disability, right hip disability, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and entitlement to a TDIU prior to May 10, 2022, as well as service connection for a right shoulder disorder.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right hand, right thumb carpometacarpal joint but granted service connection for right foot transmetatarsal arch instability, pes cavus.

The appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus is dismissed, and the claims for service connection for fatigue, a neck strain, trigger finger, left flatfoot, right flatfoot, and bilateral shoulder conditions are denied. The claims for service connection for foot and toe conditions are remanded.