Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) as he does not have a single 100% disability and is not permanently confined to his immediate premises due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is granted as her NOD was timely filed. The Board finds that the Veteran submitted new and material evidence within one year of the March 2016 rating decision, thus keeping her claims pending at the time of her submission of a Notice of Disagreement in April 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was granted, effective from November 24, 2006.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted as the Board finds that his current disability is related to an in-service injury and continuous symptoms since separation from active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain and service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical evidence and a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is related to service-connected disability or aggravated by it.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete actions and requests for a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is denied for ratings in excess of the currently assigned 10% and 20% prior to April 4, 2016 and from April 4, 2016 to March 22, 2019 respectively.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of any neck and lower back disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has also been added due to the impact it could have on the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left little finger has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The new evidence does not relate to the issue.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for injury right thumb has been readjudicated due to the submission of relevant evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and remanded other issues related to the Veteran's disabilities.