Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for traumatic arthritis and degenerative arthritis of both knees due to incomplete information or evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the VA office in San Juan.

The Veteran's disability rating for his left knee disability was increased to 30 percent from February 2009 until March 2010, with a previous 10 percent rating assigned from October 2008 until February 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for chronic depression, but his other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disorder were denied, while his claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine and right knee disabilities were not addressed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities were denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current degenerative changes of the left first metatarsophalangeal joint are related to a left foot injury sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled video-conference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after rescheduling.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability and his active military service, including carrying his rucksack during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's right foot disability, characterized by osteoarthritis and recurrent web space lesions, warrants a 20 percent rating effective prior to August 13, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hip osteoarthritis is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and verifying his service history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for reopening his claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left shoulder disability, and lumbosacral strain have been withdrawn. The claim for an increased rating for right shoulder osteoarthritis was denied as there is no evidence showing a higher rating is warranted based on current symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is related to low back injuries during service, and thus grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for pension benefits is denied as he does not meet the criteria for permanent and total disability due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examination and evidence, as well as to address the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for complications arising from a total left knee arthroplasty performed by VA in March 2005. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the cause of any additional disability and whether it was caused by VA's care, treatment or examination.