Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his military service and are related to his active duty.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with IVDS and degenerative arthritis, finding that his forward flexion during flare-ups closely approximates 60 degrees.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to April 2, 2022, effective October 12, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following gainful employment since at least October 2021.

Service connection for PTSD is granted, effective May 22, 2023.,Effective May 22, 2023, service connection for right total hip replacement and related conditions are granted.,An earlier effective date of May 22, 2023, but no earlier, is granted for the grant of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.,Effective May 22, 2023, service connection for recurrent tinnitus is granted.,Effective May 22, 2023, service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis is granted.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder and bilateral knee disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not established during service or within one year post-discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis due to inadequate medical opinions and duty-to-assist errors. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of a sleep disorder, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and eczema or atopic dermatitis on the scrotum, knees, and shins with an evaluation of 0 percent from October 8, 2019 due to improper docketing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain, thoracolumbar spine strain, and migraines are remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining necessary medical examinations and records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip osteoarthritis with thigh impairment and limitation of flexion due to a failure to provide proper notice prior to issuing the decision.

The Veteran's non-degenerative arthritis has been granted an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence of significant disabilities that would require such benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding secondary service connection for migraines. The Veteran's current migraines are being evaluated for potential aggravation by service-connected musculoskeletal conditions and psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left knee conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, he is granted TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, finding that there was no increase in severity of his pre-existing back strain during active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were dismissed due to the late filing of his Notice of Disagreement. Service connection was granted for sarcoidosis on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act, as well as for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, is rated at 20 percent and no higher.,A separate 10 percent rating for patellar instability is granted.,Compensable ratings are assigned for the ventral hernia, bilateral hearing loss, recurrent episcleritis with surface ocular inflammation, scarring due to genital warts and treatment of genital warts, residual scars s/p ventral hernia laparoscopic surgery, and left wrist sprain with degenerative arthritis and residual pain from old wrist fracture.

The appeals seeking service connection for right elbow lateral epicondylitis and degenerative arthritis, tinnitus, and left lower extremity sprain are dismissed.

The Veteran's dermatitis and eczema (claimed as psoriasis), right hip strain with degenerative arthritis, left hip strain with degenerative arthritis, stress fractures of the legs, generalized anxiety disorder, and hypertension are all granted. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.