Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left foot disability is rated at 30 percent for residuals of a bunionectomy to correct hallux valgus, degenerative arthritis and a calcaneal spur. The Veteran's left knee disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development of the evidence is required in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a VA examination for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Veteran was previously rated at 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left hip prior to November 14, 2007, and since January 1, 2009, he is rated at 30 percent for his service-connected left hip disability (status post total left hip replacement). The Board found that these ratings were appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar spine and left finger disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination.

Service connection for a positive tuberculin skin test was granted. The Veteran's current arthritis of the right and left knees is rated at 10 percent each, with no higher evaluation warranted based on flexion limitation or other criteria. The Veteran's arthritis of the right ankle has been increased to 20 percent since August 14, 2008.,The Veteran's service connection for a positive tuberculin skin test was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals, status post dislocated left shoulder (minor) was granted. The effective date is not specified as the issue relates to a current disability.

The Veteran is found to be totally and permanently disabled as a result of nonservice-connected disabilities, including benign prostate hypertrophy, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, hypertension, and back condition (lumbosacral spine), when considered with his age, educational level, and prior work history. Therefore, he is entitled to nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for osteoarthritis and osteochondromatosis of the left knee, status post total left knee replacement, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder strain and hernia scars were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for a low back disability is pending, as are those for right hip and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated as noncompensable, and his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine remains at a 20 percent rating. The appeals for both conditions have been denied.

The Board is remanding the cause-of-death claim due to the need for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion. The DIC benefits claim remains inextricably intertwined with the cause-of-death claim and must be addressed concurrently.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the Veteran's claims, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical opinions. The appeal involves multiple issues arising from different rating decisions spanning over two decades.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee and right knee, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and no causal relationship to service.

The Veteran's appendectomy scar is not disabling and his right hand disabilities do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left foot was granted, and his effective date for service connection remains June 6, 2005. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and will consider all issues on appeal once these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disorders are not related to service, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA laws.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, traumatic thoracolumbar spine contusion with residual degenerative disc disease with associated low back pain, and left knee with patella and anterior cruciate ligament strain, all of which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

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