Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board denied increased disability ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and left knee instability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasons and bases for failing to address the Veteran's arguments regarding the adequacy of the July 2020 VA examination, as well as the need to consider whether a retrospective medical opinion was warranted. The Board also found that the August 2018 and July 2020 VA examinations were inadequate due to inconsistent findings regarding flareups.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the right elbow disability and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim is related to his service-connected bilateral shoulder disabilities, but the relationship between these conditions and the right elbow disability remains unclear.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to August 8, 2024, and dependency benefits from June 1, 2025, to August 8, 2025, for the school-aged child are both denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain a direct service connection opinion, and the Veteran's claim for left wrist fracture residuals is being reviewed again.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate VA examination for assessing the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied due to the late filing of the appeal requests, and thus the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors and inadequate medical opinions. The issues of entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and consideration of medication effects.

The Board has granted an increase in PCAFC benefits to Level 2, finding that the Veteran requires continuous supervision or protection due to his cognitive decline and repeated falls.

The appeal for service connection of left knee condition, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left hip osteoarthritis, and right hip osteoarthritis is dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction over the August 2021 rating decision. Service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left hip osteoarthritis, and right hip osteoarthritis are granted.

The Board has determined that the AOJ's determination of a regulatory bar to VA compensation benefits based on willful and persistent misconduct is incorrect due to recent amendments allowing for an evaluation of compelling circumstances, including mental and cognitive impairment as possible mitigating factors. The Board finds it necessary to remand these service connection claims for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, including degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar hemangioma, is granted as service connected. The evidence supports the conclusion that these conditions began during her military service.

An effective date of May 22, 2011, is granted for the award of service connection for cervical degenerative arthritis with strain (neck disability) and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity.,An effective date prior to September 27, 2018, for the award of service connection for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right ankle disability was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination, and the Board found no good cause for his absence.

The Veteran's ACD is granted with a rating of 100 percent, effective from the date of service connection. The left elbow disability remains denied for all issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's neck condition is not service-connected, and remanded to obtain a proper medical opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of July 24, 2023 for the award of a 100 percent disability rating for persistent depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder and cocaine induced psychotic disorder.,The Veteran is also granted an effective date of July 24, 2023 for the award of SMC based on housebound criteria.,However, the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for right knee osteoarthritis with degenerative arthritis and painful motion prior to November 26, 2024 is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.