Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to active service or a service-connected knee disability. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability claim remains pending as new and material evidence has not been presented.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right hip is currently rated at 10 percent, and he seeks a higher rating. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a copy of the June 2012 examination report and any VA treatment records. The claims for left ulnar neuropathy and right wrist disability are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and treatment records. The Veteran's left hip disability is being evaluated again by a VA orthopedist.

The Veteran's dental condition is not service-connected as it does not meet the criteria for VA outpatient treatment.,The Veteran's left knee disorder was incurred in service and is service-connected.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lumbar spine osteoarthritis with scoliosis is etiologically related to an in-service motorcycle accident, and thus service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence, including records from his attending physician and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determination. The VA will also schedule a specialized examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's mitral valve stenosis and borderline left ventricular hypertrophy were incurred during active service.,Bilateral osteoarthritis of the hips, with left hip avascular necrosis, is proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for right testicular atrophy with pain and a rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's right large toe disability, which is currently rated as zero percent disabling.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing a new examination to assess his spine disability. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, status post arthroplasty, was incurred in service and is granted service connection. The right knee osteoarthritis is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while disabling, do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the RO due to his withdrawal of previous requests for a Travel Board hearing and request for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and increased rating for left knee disability are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and therefore he is not entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, need for additional development of records, and the apparent claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent effective May 6, 2009. The appeal for a higher evaluation remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were not timely filed, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings on gastroesophageal reflux disease, left knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella and infrapatellar tendon septic necrosis, and scar of the left knee were remanded due to procedural issues. The right thyroid nodule claim was also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including eye/vision disability, skin disability, schizophrenia, cervical spine disability, chronic rhinitis, degenerative joint disease (including osteoarthritis of the spine), peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension. The decision is mixed as some issues have been granted while others remain pending.