Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board has restored the original disability ratings for the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and lumbar spine disabilities, as these reductions were improper due to inadequate examinations and lack of evidence showing actual improvement in the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion on direct service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot condition. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the condition manifested during service or is otherwise related to active service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with effective dates set for various benefits and service connection determinations. The Veteran received increased ratings for her cluster headaches and sciatic radiculopathy RLE, as well as service connection for fibromyalgia and IBS on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for further development due to duty-to-assist errors and additional medical opinions are needed.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mitral valve regurgitation, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and hypertension, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's right knee total knee replacement surgery is rated at 100% from November 19, 2024 to March 19, 2025. His prior degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis, right knee condition remains rated at 10%. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional error in the VA Form 10182 Decision Review Request, and the Veteran needs further examination to determine if his current left knee disabilities are related to his active duty for training in June 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating the use of assistive devices such as braces, crutches, canes, rollators, and walkers. The Board has granted eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to this condition.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for sleep apnea, left foot plantar fasciitis, left foot hallux valgus, and left hip degenerative arthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of adequate medical examination, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for a recurrent lumbar spine disability is being sent back for further evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis and stenosis of the cervical spine are granted service connection as they are related to parachute jumps during active-duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral foot condition and remanded the issue of service connection for left and right knee conditions due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, migraines, degenerative arthritis with greater trochanteric bursitis of the right hip, sleep apnea, bladder condition, left carpal tunnel syndrome, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee disability, right knee disability, residuals of a left foot stress fracture, residuals of a right foot stress fracture, and tinnitus. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral pain syndrome and tendonitis, including as secondary to right ankle Achilles tendonitis.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition began during his active-duty military service and has continued since then. The decision is based on evidence showing a qualifying event (in-service injury) leading to the development of arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, left ankle disability (not specified), and acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) has been denied. The appeal is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis was reopened due to new and relevant evidence, and the Board granted service connection based on a finding that his current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability, including arthritis and tendonitis, is etiologically related to his active service. The appeal for direct service connection for a left shoulder disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and TDIU. The Veteran's attorney requested a VA examination to assess functional loss without considering the ameliorative effects of medication, and also raised concerns about the August 2020 VA examination.