Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis with instability and bursitis are currently rated at 20 percent each, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to functional loss.,Both knees have limited flexion (to at most 60 degrees) and extension (to at most 15 degrees), even considering symptoms such as pain, fatigue, weakness, lack of endurance or incoordination.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis and segmental instability with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims for entitlement to service connection for a heart condition and left above-knee amputation are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 26, 2021, and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 20% since April 2020 and is now rated at 30% throughout the appeal period. The rating is based on forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, with no ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical opinions regarding his spine, hip, knee, and sleep apnea conditions.,An earlier effective date claim is also being remanded as the AOJ decision was unclear.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in a letter dated August 8, 2025.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination report, and a retrospective opinion from an orthopedist is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow, cervical strain, left glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, and right shoulder arthralgia due to a lack of VA examination or treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in obtaining VA treatment records and a need for an additional medical opinion regarding the effects of medications on the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, vertigo, and tinnitus have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that he is entitled to a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's application for PCAFC was denied due to a lack of personal care services. The Board has determined that the Veteran is in need of personal care services and remands the case for further consideration, including a best interest determination by a clinician.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as right knee degenerative arthritis. The effective dates are April 23, 2020, and April 5, 2023 respectively.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine following a L4-L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on evidence that connects the current back condition to active military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disabilities are being remanded for additional development to verify service dates and obtain a medical opinion on the etiology of his conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative transabdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with resolving tender incision is found to be the cause of her diagnosed disabilities, including cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, patellofemoral degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, patellofemoral degenerative arthritis status post arthroscopy, left shoulder degenerative arthritis, right hand degenerative arthritis, and right wrist degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for left total knee arthroplasty residuals, finding that the disability is related to the service-connected right total knee arthroplasty residuals.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU and DEA benefits effective July 5, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable since January 31, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of his service-connected lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities at a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee and right shoulder conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 13, 2016.