Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations for his right knee disability is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the period from January 1, 2006, to August 28, 2007, or in excess of 40 percent for the period beginning August 29, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right hand disability, which includes osteoarthritis of the fracture site, is being remanded due to the need for further development including obtaining SSA records and scheduling another VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings higher than 30 percent for bilateral hallux valgus prior to September 23, 2002. The decision found that all of his foot-related symptoms are part and parcel of his service-connected bilateral hallux valgus.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of ankylosis, instability, dislocated cartilage, or impairment of the tibia and fibula.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current hearing loss was caused by service, including significant noise exposure during her military career.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide proper notice and scheduling for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there was no indication of instability or ankylosis.

The Board has determined that further development of the Veteran's claim is warranted, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any arthritic condition found to be present, as well as whether his service-connected psoriasis caused or aggravated any currently diagnosed degenerative arthritis or degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective June 22, 2007. The TDIU is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50% disabling since March 13, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left knee condition is rated at the maximum allowable, and the right knee and wrist conditions do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and special month pension. The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the back disorder, as well as whether he qualifies for special monthly pension based on his need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not related to his active service. The Veteran was granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands, a bilateral foot disability, prostate cancer secondary to herbicide exposure, and erectile dysfunction secondary to a service-connected disability were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hip disability, including osteoarthritis and scars from a previous injury, is related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform sedentary work despite his arthritis and neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected median mononeuropathy with osteoarthritis from a fracture of the left wrist, along with separate ratings for left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and surgical scars, was granted by the RO. The current rating is 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the validity of the Veteran's claims for PTSD and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, including whether there are sufficient medical opinions to support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with kyphosis has been withdrawn. The remaining issues have not yet been decided.