Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD was granted effective August 29, 2022. Service connection was established for vitreous syneresis / vitreous floaters of both eyes. The claims for service connection for refractive error of both eyes (myopia and astigmatism), bilateral hearing loss disability, residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were all denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an addendum opinion from a VA clinician.

The Board has determined that the November 2024 rating decision is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding the adequacy of the VA examination and consideration of the effects of medication on the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right foot tendinopathy and osteoarthritis, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain status post ankle reconstruction surgery to include gastroc muscle, Achilles tear, and posterior calcaneal exostosis, intervertebral disc syndrome with spinal stenosis, and right foot hallux valgus, have resulted in a combined rating of 70 percent or more for the period before October 16, 2020. Therefore, an effective date of January 8, 2019, is granted for the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because his service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, do not meet the criteria for a single total disability rating.,The effective date for DEA eligibility is set at December 13, 2013, which coincides with the award of service connection for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran's representative stating they wish to withdraw the appeal regarding an increased rating for status post total left knee replacement and a temporary total for convalescence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, finding no evidence of chronicity or continuity of care related to the in-service injury. The Veteran's current condition is not considered incurred in or caused by service.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was also denied as secondary to PTSD, with the examiner noting that there is no causal relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, characterized by flexion limited with pain during flare-ups resulting in inability to bend the knee, have been granted a 30 percent rating for each knee.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tear, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis due to stress on his joints from training and parachute jumps during active service. The evidence considered included the Veteran's statements, a private medical opinion, and a buddy statement.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with degenerative arthritis, finding no evidence of chronic symptoms in service or continuity after service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on any of the issues raised.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment starting March 1, 2012. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left total knee replacement.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her in-service injury during basic training.,Service connection was also granted for right hip pain with inflammatory conditions, as the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's active duty service and her current condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 28, 2022, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for IBS is dismissed. The claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis and osteoarthritis post-traumatic are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis, lumbosacral spine, with intervertebral disc disease, post lumbar fusion is rated at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee, left knee, and right hip osteoarthritis are granted as service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's back disability. The decision also denied entitlement to a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.