Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 2, 2021 for service connection of lumbar degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and scoliosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbar degenerative arthritis with spinal stenosis and scoliosis was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for fractured foot, left foot condition (left great toe fracture) was denied.

The Veteran's back condition, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine as well as degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome, is granted. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis with levoscoliosis, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current disability and his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for brain occipital white matter disability, Hashimoto's encephalitis, and hyperprolactinemia have been remanded due to the need for additional development.,There is no indication that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals regarding various conditions and disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea, left shoulder strain, degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, lateral epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, and allergic rhinitis. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis with vertebral fracture, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that these conditions are etiologically linked to active service.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings for headaches, service connection for degenerative arthritis with disc herniation (claimed as lumbar condition), and service connection for cervical condition are all remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the feet, but remanded the issues regarding plantar fasciitis and pes planus due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, left knee, and right knee due to inadequate VA examinations in August 2020 and January 2021.

The Board has denied service connection for a right hip disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition did not have its clinical onset in active service and is not otherwise related to active service.,The Board has also remanded the claims of service connection for a left knee disability (including degenerative arthritis, foreign body removal, and strain), as well as a left knee scar.

The Veteran's claims for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence.,Compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and bilateral hearing loss have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding service connection claims for hypertension, migraine disorder, right hip degenerative arthritis, left hip degenerative arthritis, and bilateral knee disorders.