Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Board has determined that the issues of earlier effective dates for tinnitus and left knee strain have been moot due to previous appeals on these matters. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis with meniscal tear, status-post total knee replacement and right hip degenerative arthritis with total hip replacement, finding that the evidence is in 'approximate balance' or 'nearly equal' to support these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and effective dates have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Board also remanded several issues related to service connection, including right knee osteoarthritis, IVDS, chronic right wrist sprain, OSA, COPD, and other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,VA examiners concluded that the osteoarthritis in the hips and knees was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's endometriosis is not service-connected as it is not caused or aggravated by her service-connected disability of status post fracture residuals left hip and pelvic injury with impairment.,The Veteran's right total hip joint replacement has been rated at 30 percent since October 2022, but the appeal seeks a higher rating based on residual weakness, pain, or limitation of motion.,The Veteran's right foot strain with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent and the appeal requests an increase in disability rating due to painful motion and walking difficulties.,The Veteran's status post fracture residuals left hip and pelvic injury SI joint has been rated at 10 percent, but the appeal seeks a higher rating based on limited flexion of the joint.,The Veteran's status post fracture residuals left hip and pelvic injury with impairment is currently rated at 10 percent and the appeal requests an increase in disability rating due to limitations in abduction and rotation.,The Veteran's status post fracture residuals left hip and pelvic injury SI joint with limited extension has been rated at 10 percent, but the appeal seeks a higher rating based on limited extension of the joint.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent and the appeal requests an increase in disability rating due to forward flexion limitations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services due to a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. The appeal is remanded to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and provide complete notice of the decision on his claim.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher disability rating for his left knee condition has been remanded due to the inadequacy of the June 2019 VA examination. The case will be returned for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has remanded two service connection claims for the Veteran's right hip condition and bilateral hand conditions due to a lack of sufficient evidence regarding exposure to toxic risk activities (TERA) during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates related to his right knee disabilities require additional development due to a lack of adequate VA examinations in relation to the period on appeal.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis, and IVDS are rated at 40 percent. His right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) is rated at 20 percent. Service connection for his right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and higher ratings due to additional procedural development being required. The AOJ is instructed to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case addressing all evidence received since the September 2025 SSOC.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating more than 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis was denied, while he received a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate prior to January 14, 2022, as he did not meet the criteria of having a single service-connected disability rated as 100% disabling and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by credible statements and medical evidence linking his disabilities to in-service events.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with prior remand directives regarding a retrospective medical opinion on the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability from January 5, 2015 to October 13, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence that has not been considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's back disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 17, 2017; from April 17, 2017 to January 26, 2024; or from January 26, 2024. The Veteran's back disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 17, 2017 and from April 17, 2017 to January 26, 2024; or for a rating in excess of 40 percent from January 26, 2024.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and multiple lower extremity disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from another person, warranting the grant of SMC aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral shin splints and ankle conditions due to a failure by the AOJ to consider the ameliorative effects of medications used to treat the Veteran's disabilities. The VA must provide adequate examinations that address the severity of her service-connected bilateral shin and ankle conditions, considering the ameliorative effects of any medication taken.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, Hepatitis C and fatty liver, tinea versicolor with eczema, radiculopathy of the left and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 3, 2020. The Board granted an earlier effective date for TDIU based on this evidence.