Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The case is remanded for further development to clarify the current evaluation assigned and obtain additional medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board denied service connection for left knee pain diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the left knee, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between the condition and the Veteran's military service.

The Board remands the claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis, and cervical strain to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The appeal for service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and shoulder joint replacement was dismissed as the Veteran's claim had already been granted in a February 2025 rating decision.

The Board granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability and restored 20 percent ratings for sciatic nerve radiculopathies in both lower extremities, effective September 28, 2023. The decision also denied higher ratings for these conditions.

The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and erectile dysfunction, as well as the appeals for entitlement to basic eligibility for VA loan guaranty benefits and an earlier effective date for eligibility to DEA, were dismissed due to a procedural defect in the filing of the appeal.

The Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to untimely filings of a Notice of Disagreement, except for remanding certain claims for further development.

The Veteran is granted eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing but denied eligibility for a special home adaptation grant.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased ratings as a matter of law, having already adjudicated these issues in a previous decision.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's tension/migraine headaches due to their severity and impact on daily life, while remanding claims for back disability and sinusitis for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with cervical strain due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, right and left hip osteoarthritis, chronic diarrhea with GERD, and service connection for fibromyalgia. However, a 20 percent rating was granted for the right ankle deltoid ligament sprain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine and lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Board remands the matter for an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and remanded the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder and cervical spine disorder.

The Board remands the claims for an earlier effective date as it failed to consider new and material evidence submitted within one year of a July 2011 rating decision.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and denied the claims for service connection for chronic epididymo-orchitis, an increased rating for bilateral pes planus, an initial increased rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy, an increased rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, and an increased rating for hypertension.

The Board dismissed the issues of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral keratoconus and an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a mid-back disability due to an impermissible concurrent election.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, anxiety and depression, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical strain degenerative arthritis of C4/5.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left and right hand degenerative arthritis disabilities due to pre-decisional failures in VA's duty to assist.