Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis and left shoulder osteoarthritis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating prior to April 12, 2018, or a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter for his left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left hip disabilities are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings of 50 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that the current condition is not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a right wrist disorder is granted. The case is remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the onset of the Veteran's right shoulder disability during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a low back disability, compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU due to incomplete development and new issues raised by the Veteran's medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left foot disability and arthritis, including a lack of medical records from his employment with the railroad. The Veteran is also receiving a 'disability annuity' from the railroad.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination to determine if he has loss of use of his upper or lower extremities, which would be required for SMC(r)(1) entitlement. The current VA examination was deemed inadequate and additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right knee degenerative arthritis need to be remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's knee disabilities were rated at 10 percent prior to June 25, 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment prior to June 12, 2004.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to the legacy appeal system. The issues remain as part of the pending appeals under the Legacy Appeals System.

The Veteran's right ankle disability and back disability were granted increased ratings. The right ankle was rated at 20 percent, while the back disability was rated at 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for arthritis of the right toes and service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis due to inadequate evidence. The case will be returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for lack of full use of the right hand and remanded the issue of service connection for lack of sight in the right eye due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and right lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at a 40 percent effective October 30, 2018.