Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hip replacements, and sleep condition was denied. The claims for bilateral hips and sleep disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, finding that her condition is at least as likely as not related to her military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to August 12, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation at any point during the appeal period.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to his service-connected OSA with asthma and bronchitis, left knee osteoarthritis and synovitis, right knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, synovitis post arthroscopy, limitation of flexion in both knees, and right knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis, synovitis post arthroscopy, limitation of flexion were remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's cervical spine disabilities, including degenerative arthritis and spinal cord compression/cervical myelopathy, are granted as service connected. The bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is also granted as secondary to the cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was restored to 20 percent effective October 31, 2024. Other claims were denied or granted with specific ratings.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, lumbar spine and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy and pain are granted service connection. The right sciatic nerve radiculopathy and pain is also granted service connection. Service connection for the cervical spine condition is denied.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he was granted higher ratings for his sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities as well as his femoral nerve radiculopathy. He also received a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to restore a higher rating for his left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, strain and rotator cuff tendonitis from 30% back to 20%, finding that the evidence did not show severity of symptoms resulting in limitation of flexion of the left arm to midway between the side and shoulder level.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8515.,The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right ankle and left ankle are both currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings as there is no evidence that meets the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5271.

The Veteran's lumbosacral disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case due to a duty-to-assist error in not considering the ameliorative effects of medication on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for generalized anxiety disorder with persistent depressive disorder, TBI, and migraine headaches were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to May 19, 2010.,The Veteran's claims for right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, left knee strain, and right knee arthritis were granted effective May 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left knee arthritis and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, spinal fusion, and anterior cervical discectomy are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds the February 2020 and January 2020 VA examinations insufficient as they did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication on his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral shin splints, and knee injuries, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 9, 2019. The Board has granted TDIU on this basis.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot posttraumatic arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, multilevel spondylosis. The conditions are deemed to be related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial request for an increased rating for right knee degenerative arthritis was granted, with a separate 10 percent rating assigned from September 8, 2025. The Veteran also received a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted as incurred in service, and the claim for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The claim for higher rate SMC(t) due to traumatic brain injury is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee meniscal tear due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for additional development.