Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis, severe instability, flexion limited to 15 degrees, extension limited to 20 degrees, or malunion of the tibia and fibula with marked knee or ankle disability in his right knee. His left knee osteoarthritis was considered as a primary condition rather than secondary to his service-connected right knee injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining civilian medical records and a VA examination to address potential service connection based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or herbicides. The Veteran's claim for colon cancer is also being developed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the regular aid and attendance of another person, and the Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury and granted it. The Veteran also has been granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee, status post arthroplasty.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for specially adapted housing and financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or adaptive equipment due to a lack of evidence showing loss of use of lower extremities, blindness in both eyes, or anatomical loss of use of hands.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5014-5241. His GERD has been rated as non-compensable prior to March 23, 2009 and 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities are not shown to be productive of a disability picture that precludes him from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain, 30 percent for thoracolumbar radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis, or any additional rating for groin pain.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical nexus opinion regarding the Veteran's low back conditions and their relationship to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 40 percent, and his right knee subluxing patella is rated at 10 percent. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of cervical spine disability and reopening of service connection claim for epididymitis with residuals of erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU, and he is unemployable due solely to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right middle finger and a right index finger disability, claimed as right hand arthritis, were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an old back injury with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and low back disorder, but granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims were remanded multiple times due to procedural issues.