Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for a VA orthopedic examination to assess his right femur fracture, right knee disorder, and left total knee replacement.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total disability rating due to her service-connected left great toe condition, finding that she did not meet the criteria for additional convalescent months under VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for polyarthritis, poor memory, and a sleep disorder due to undiagnosed illness. The claim for Hepatitis C is granted.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee disability, characterized by residual chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis, warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5010. The disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right index finger disability, characterized by malunion of the proximal phalanx with degenerative arthritis affecting both PIP and DIP joints, warrants a 10 percent rating. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for postoperative residuals of a left knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding no current disability or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case.

The veteran's claim for an extension of vocational rehabilitation training was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from performing the duties of his rehabilitated occupation.

The Board has determined that further development is needed regarding the veteran's claim for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is REMANDED for a supplemental VA medical opinion and review of the claims file.

The veteran's hearing acuity is rated at Level II in the right ear and Level IV in the left ear, resulting in a noncompensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss.,The veteran's service-connected GERD with esophagitis does not meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation due to less severe symptoms such as pain, vomiting, material weight loss, hematemesis or melena, and moderate anemia.

The veteran's right knee disability status post arthroscopy for lateral meniscus tear is rated at 20% due to moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.,The veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is rated at 10% based on x-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a 60 percent rating since July 1, 2005.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine with chronic lumbar strain, maintaining a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was May 8, 1992. The veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure and follow any substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected left foot disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating. The decompressive laminectomy of L5-S1 and the right foot conditions are not related to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not require the aid and attendance of another person for her daily activities, including dressing, keeping herself clean, feeding herself, or attending to the wants of nature. Therefore, she is not eligible for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, low back pain and chronic degenerative arthritis, vertigo, and onychomycosis hyloma. The conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical opinions regarding his hepatitis C claim. His right hand/wrist disability claims are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with osteoarthritis.