The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel and ulnar neuropathy, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis have been granted a 30 percent disability rating effective April 5, 2022. The Veteran has also been awarded TDIU from August 28, 2012, and basic eligibility for DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status.
The deciding factor: The evidence of record demonstrated that the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis had increased in severity since April 5, 2022, warranting a higher rating. The other conditions were also found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative arthritis, Right carpal tunnel syndrome, Left carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy, Left knee degenerative arthritis, Right knee degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26015765
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26015765.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle degenerative arthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and right knee degenerative arthritis, as well as his claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal is not about service connection at all.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a fungal infection of the feet, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and psychiatric condition due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis based on limitation of motion was denied. A separate 20 percent rating for a right knee meniscus tear is granted. The claims for service connection for left hip condition and right foot gout are dismissed.
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