Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, finding that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot degenerative arthritis, a skin disorder, residuals of removal of the right ovary, and depression. The Board found that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bursitis of the hands, hypertension, and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his in-service injury and granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine with soft-tissue damage.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral foot injury residuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as a bilateral ankle disorder due to foot injuries with osteoarthritis. The Veteran's current diagnosed conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee and right hip conditions are not secondary to his service-connected right knee condition, and thus denied these claims. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was remanded.

The Veteran's left hip and right hip arthritis are service connected due to aggravation of pre-existing conditions.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, but the claim for left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be decided, including providing VCAA notice and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbar spine and left knee disorders are remanded to obtain appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability (schizoaffective disorder) and a thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is presumed to have had its onset in service, while his degenerative arthritis of the back is considered presumptive due to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right hip, leg, and foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the right elbow were denied as his conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disability required a temporary total rating from March 1, 2007 to June 7, 2007 due to severe post-operative residuals following surgery. After this period, the residuals were not considered severe enough for an extension of the rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis was denied by the RO, with a final effective date of December 1, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle disability, lumbosacral strain, and PTSD. The Veteran's left ankle disability is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, C5-6, and service connection for fibromyalgia, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and arthritis of the shoulders, knees, and wrists were denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's right knee instability and arthritis have been granted service connection, with a combined initial disability rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his eligibility for TDIU and special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and found that new evidence supports a possible link to service. The claim is therefore granted.