Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected right hip disabilities have been granted increased evaluations, with the effective date being October 25, 2021.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for her increased ratings and DEA benefits, finding that entitlement did not arise prior to July 22, 2024.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected right shoulder rotator cuff tear with degenerative arthritis status post rotator cuff repair, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis was restored to a 20 percent rating effective from October 22, 2009. The reduction of the disability rating from 20 to 10 percent was found to be improper due to insufficient evidence showing improvement in ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for SMC purposes.

The Veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder was granted, effective August 4, 2023.,Effective dates prior to January 18, 2023, were denied for lumbosacral strain, bilateral hip strain, and supraventricular arrhythmia. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension was granted effective August 23, 2019, but no earlier.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted effective March 21, 2019.

The Veteran's back brace caused increased wear and tear on his clothing in 2019, leading to a grant of an annual clothing allowance for that year.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine have been granted. The rating assigned is 70 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination prior to the issuance of the rating decision on appeal. The Veteran's left shoulder disorder and degenerative arthritis are being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee degenerative arthritis, limitation of flexion; left knee strain (extension); and left knee laxity were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids and service connection for an injury to the eyes (chemical, ink) was withdrawn. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted at 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee condition, including his left knee medial meniscus tear and degenerative arthritis. The issue is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left hip, right hip with asis enthesitis, and right ankle strain with enthesopathic changes as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to a lack of explanation in the April 2021 decision regarding whether participation in the program was in his best interest. The Board finds that the Veteran requires personal care services due to disabilities including posttraumatic stress disorder, tension headaches, and others.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 31, 2023 for the awards of service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and asthma.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cervical Spine Disability, Degenerative Arthritis. The OSA is related to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and GERD, while the cervical spine disability is linked to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board denied entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, diagnosed degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease lumbar spine, as well as secondary service connection for radiating pain in the left and right legs. The decision is based on evidence that supports these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent left knee degenerative arthritis and strain residuals, as well as recurrent left ankle strain residuals, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.