Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unemployable, but an award of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is not for assignment due to the presence of other service-connected conditions. Therefore, entitlement to a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability was denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of gastroenteritis, including IBS and GERD, was granted.

The Veteran's neoplasms of the male reproductive system, including prostate cancer are in remission and do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent during the period on appeal.,The effective date for SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ is August 10, 2023.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating in excess of 10 percent for deviated septum, as well as the appeal for dysthymic disorder (sleep disorder, excessive snoring). The appeal for left elbow degenerative arthritis was also dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for a VA addendum opinion from an orthopedic specialist.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis with tendonitis and sprain was granted a 20 percent rating prior to May 15, 2025.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the AOJ failing to obtain all relevant records, including Social Security Administration and private treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated with consideration of these records.

The Board found that the reduction in the Veteran's back disability rating from 40 percent to 20 percent effective May 1, 2025 was proper based on sustained improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that symptoms of recurrent pain since jump school in 1985 are continuous since his period of active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion, requiring further development.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve of the right lower extremity. The claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete development of her claims, particularly regarding her bilateral plantar fasciitis and other orthopedic conditions. The AOJ is required to conduct further examinations and obtain medical opinions to address these issues.

The Board has found that the medical opinions obtained by the AOJ are inadequate and constitutes a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claims for service connection for his back and shoulder disabilities are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the service-connected left knee tendinitis has been rated at 10 percent since August 7, 2024. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on functional loss or additional limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues due to a lack of VA examinations addressing the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

Service connection is granted for upper and lower back disorders.,Service connection is also granted for a right knee disorder. However, service connection is denied for a sinus condition manifested by headaches, other than nonallergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and spinal stenosis, is granted as service-connected.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy are also granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service complaints of cramps and surgeries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability is related to service, resolving all doubts in his favor. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of bilateral shoulder strain and degenerative arthritis, which the Veteran attributes to injuries sustained during military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and degenerative joint disease, finding that it is related to his in-service fall.