Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee osteoarthritis is not related to his in-service injury, and thus he cannot establish service connection for this condition. The right knee disorder was also denied as it is not shown to be causally linked to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC benefits based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including cardiac disease and cervical spine disorders, are not service-connected as they were first shown decades after military service and are unrelated to any incident during active service. The claims for secondary service connection have also been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his left wrist fracture with posttraumatic degenerative arthritis and painful motion, finding that the residuals did not meet the criteria for such an increase.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of disfigurement or other criteria warranting a compensable rating for scars on the neck, and denied his claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right acromioclavicular joint prior to May 12, 2011 and since that date. Service connection was also denied for cervical spine disorder and right hip disorder.

The Veteran's appeal involves three separate issues regarding his right hip disability, including osteoarthritis and a total hip replacement. The RO has assigned staged ratings for these conditions based on the severity of symptoms and treatment received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of VCAA compliance. The claim for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability is also pending.

The Board has determined that additional VCAA notice is required as the current notice did not include a list of service-connected disabilities and an explanation of the information or evidence needed to establish a disability rating and effective date.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including fractured ribs, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and hypertension. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature of these conditions and their relationship to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the denial of service connection for right ear hearing loss due to withdrawal by the appellant. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's asthma and prostatitis and BPH are found to be related to his active duty service. The other claimed disabilities are not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and correction of VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeals are mixed, with some issues granted and others denied or remanded. The main claims include increased ratings for various conditions, service connection for sleep apnea, and the propriety of reductions in disability ratings.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for instability residual to a torn medial meniscus in the left knee, finding that the Veteran had no more than overall moderate instability.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was not found to warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to February 5, 2009.,From February 5, 2009, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he was not entitled to a combined 100% rating for at least ten years prior to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine the impact of all service-connected disabilities on his employability, including education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling a personal hearing at the Louisville, Kentucky, RO.

The Veteran was granted a separate 20 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee effective January 1, 2004. The earlier requested effective date is denied.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder injury and osteoarthritis, as well as injuries of both knees and osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims were also denied for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to October 12, 2011, and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent since then.,The Board found no evidence of inservice injury or chronic disability related to the claimed conditions.