Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee and left ankle disorders, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders, neck injury residuals, and PTSD are related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of his employment status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a scar examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her right knee and hip conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of her request for an increased rating for patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia, and osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for clarification on the etiology of his hip condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine whether the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her medical conditions, which could affect her ability to perform daily activities and require assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted with appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by daily pain and limited motion, has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of heat stroke and granted service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right thumb with an initial noncompensable rating, but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence from the early 60s and insufficient notification regarding the bases for the previous denial.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not competent to handle her VA benefits due to her mental incapacity.

The Veteran's depression was not found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected disability. His tinnitus and hearing loss were also denied increased ratings.

The Veteran's combined total disability rating remains at 40 percent despite the assignment of a separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus, as his existing service-connected disabilities combine to yield this rating.

The March 25, 2004 VA examination and May 11, 2004 bone marrow biopsy did not result in any additional disability to the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current left knee condition present, as well as whether his pre-existing left knee disorder was aggravated during his ACDUTRA service in April 2003.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically major depression rather than PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is rated at 20 percent, representing a partial grant of his claim for an increased rating.