Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by his use of pain medication due to his service-connected cervical degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was granted with an effective date of February 28, 2024.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive airway disease is granted a 100% disability rating, migraine headaches are granted a 50% disability rating, and the right knee disability remains at a 10% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical strain and a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to January 31, 2022 due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining adequate medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tear with degenerative arthritis and tendonitis, finding that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected left hip disability, as well as his claim for specially adapted housing, are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, bilateral hip strain, left shoulder strain with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis and tendinopathy, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical and lumbar spine disorders due to insufficient evidence in the original decision.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC-AA/HB and service connection for urinary frequency secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for hepatitis B and C with chronic fatigue, migraines, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, and chronic cartilage fracture at junction of 10th and 11th right rib complex.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not provide good cause for failing to attend a VA examination, which was necessary to determine the severity of his cervical spine, allergic rhinitis, left and right lateral epicondylitis, and right ankle sprain conditions.

A 20% rating for thoracolumbar spine disability is granted from January 7, 2019 to January 20, 2022. A higher rating is denied.,An effective date prior to January 21, 2022 for left lower extremity radiculopathy service connection is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back disability and his service-connected conditions. The case will be returned for a new examination and an updated medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus but has remanded the cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease and a back disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's asthma with pulmonary fibrosis and degenerative arthritis of the hands were granted service connection effective June 25, 2021.,TDIU benefits for the Veteran's combined disabilities were also granted effective June 25, 2021.

The Veteran's left hip disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to inadequate range of motion testing in the previous examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability was granted with an effective date of June 3, 2019. The Board found that the earlier effective date prior to June 3, 2019, is not warranted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, rotator cuff tendonitis of the right shoulder, and lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis. The conditions are all found to be related to his service-connected PTSD, physical training during active duty, or military duties.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right foot disorders, specifically whether they are caused by his service-connected diabetes.