Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated at 30 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative joint disease. The claim for higher ratings was denied.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left hip, status post total hip replacement is not related to service or any service-connected disability. The Veteran's left knee fusion does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service for any of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and knee disorders. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hip and knee disabilities are not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected left sacral radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active service. Service connection was denied for basal cell carcinoma and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for postoperative residuals of a right knee meniscectomy and right hip osteoarthritis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 20 percent for the right knee, and did not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 10 percent for the right hip.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected, but his claims for back condition, left shoulder DJD, and left elbow degenerative arthritis are all granted as they are considered to be directly related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis and neurological conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the effect of his service-connected bilateral pes planus on his employability.