Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and spinal stenosis and bruxism. The Veteran's neck disability is believed to have started following a skydiving accident during active service, while her bruxism began during active service.

The Veteran is not entitled to an effective date prior to June 29, 2023, for the awards of service connection for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy, right upper extremity, upper radicular nerve group.,The Veteran is also not entitled to an earlier effective date for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis and bilateral restless leg syndrome have been dismissed due to the concurrent submission of a Higher-Level Review request, which is not allowed while a Direct Review appeal is pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his physical limitations could be accommodated by sedentary employment.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee strains, residuals of a left ankle concussion, and bilateral pes cavus are found to be related to his obstructive sleep apnea. His claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle, leg, and tibia fracture disabilities are not service-connected as they did not onset during active duty or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for chronic testicular pain, groin pain, and degenerative arthritis of the neck (claimed as neck pain) have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in relation to these conditions.,A rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's back disability has also been denied.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine with radiculopathy and tinnitus are granted service connection, while his bilateral hearing loss and vertigo secondary to hearing loss are denied. The Veteran is assigned a 10% rating for his lumbar strain.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a retrospective opinion on the severity of his left knee disability without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's tinnitus, migraines, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis with sacroiliac dysfunction (a lower back disability), left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted as service connected.,The Veteran's tinnitus, migraines, left hip osteoarthritis, right hip osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis with sacroiliac dysfunction (a lower back disability), left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted as service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for left hand and right hand osteoarthritis, finding that these conditions resulted from the Veteran's active-duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, migraine headache disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to inadequate medical opinions.,Further examinations are needed to determine if the Veteran's conditions had their clinical onset during service or are related to her period of active service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for tinnitus, left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee meniscus degeneration, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and hypertension.,Service connection was established for all conditions except for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis was remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error by the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, left knee osteoarthritis, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU effective February 23, 2024.

The Veteran's TDIU based on migraine disability alone is granted, and he has a single disability rated at 100 percent. He also has other service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, qualifying him for SMC(s) at the housebound level.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in notifying the Veteran of her right to a hearing. The claim for a higher disability rating for left knee degenerative arthritis (limitation of flexion) will be reconsidered after providing proper notice.