Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left thumb degenerative arthritis and surgical scars, as well as service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, were all denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right shoulder disability is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will provide the Veteran with another VA examination to assess the severity and manifestations of his service-connected right shoulder impingement syndrome, bicipital tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, tendonitis, and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, but has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip femoroacetabular joint osteoarthritis with avascular necrosis (right hip disability) and lumbar strain with degenerative changes (lower back disability).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for combined ratings in excess of 70 percent from October 29, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and in excess of 90 percent from February 23, 2016, to March 16, 2020, for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's lay statements and medical opinions linking the right knee condition to his left knee instability.

The Board has granted service connection for a degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal fusion and spinal stenosis, finding that all reasonable doubt should be resolved in favor of the Veteran. The temporary total rating based on convalescence following lumbar spine surgery is also remanded, as is the TDIU claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for metatarsalgia, tailor's bunion, intractable plantar keratosis, callus, and osteoarthritis of the left foot great toe. The decision is based on evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's neck disability is related to service and granted. The Board also remanded cases for back, radiculopathy, insomnia, and vertigo.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as a psychiatric disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,VA will obtain any outstanding private treatment records related to the Veteran's disabilities and schedule him for new examinations.

The Veteran's combined disability rating was 100% from February 6, 2006. The Veteran died in February 2020 and had been receiving a total disability rating for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death. Therefore, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder is remanded.

The Veteran's right wrist degenerative arthritis was granted service connection. The increased ratings for left shoulder strain and left foot plantar fasciitis were denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection due to his death.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal and hearing request for increased ratings of persistent depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has denied readjudication of the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of new and relevant evidence. The Veteran's claims for revision of the January 2013 rating decisions based on CUE have also been denied.

The Veteran's boxer's fracture right hand, little finger with degenerative arthritis is rated as noncompensable. The Board has found that the maximum schedular rating for limitation of motion of the little finger does not apply due to pain and functional loss. The Veteran's left and right knee conditions are remanded for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for back disorder, tinnitus, and ulcer condition due to insufficient evidence. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to February 1, 2023, for service connection of various finger disabilities and a left hip disorder. The appeal was dismissed as the Veteran did not provide good cause for failing to complete his intent to file within one year of submitting it on June 28, 2021.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion of the right knee, but denied any increase in ratings for other issues. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are rated based on their direct effects rather than through a presumption or secondary theory.