Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and congenital levoscoliosis of the lumbar spine was denied. The case is remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, lumbar, and left foot degenerative arthritis conditions as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of right foot injury, minimal degenerative changes, and achilles tendonitis.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including post-total knee arthroplasty, is rated at 30% effective December 1, 2018. The TDIU claim was granted from January 1, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis was denied for the period from July 17, 2007 to April 3, 2017.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension. The initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine prior to April 30, 2024, remains denied. A 10 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity (femoral nerve) radiculopathy from April 30, 2024.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 VA examination, where the examiner did not consider the effects of medication on his left hip disability. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining an opinion regarding the severity of the condition without considering the ameliorative effects of medications.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD, TDIU and DEA benefits was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD with TBI.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The cervical spine disability is rated as 20 percent prior to May 31, 2024 and 30 percent on and after that date.,PTSD is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scars of the right hand and wrist, right little finger degenerative arthritis, and erectile dysfunction are all denied.,There is no evidence to support a compensable rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed all appeals concerning service connection for various conditions as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder, finding that there is persuasive evidence linking the two.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his in-service back injury. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for his cervical spine condition, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current disability and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left knee degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the claims must be remanded to correct a duty to assist error, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's knee conditions during the period on appeal. The claim for DEA benefits prior to August 27, 2024, remains inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's left knee pain due to his service-connected right knee degenerative arthritis is denied.

The Board has granted an initial increased rating of 20 percent for limitation of flexion of the right knee and a separate 10 percent rating for instability, effective September 2, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, including for PTSD and dysthymia. The back disability claim is remanded due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Board has remanded several of the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration. The issues include an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar disability, as well as ratings for various knee and hip conditions.