Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the appellant is not competent to handle her VA benefits due to her mental incapacity.

The Veteran's depression was not found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected disability. His tinnitus and hearing loss were also denied increased ratings.

The Veteran's combined total disability rating remains at 40 percent despite the assignment of a separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus, as his existing service-connected disabilities combine to yield this rating.

The March 25, 2004 VA examination and May 11, 2004 bone marrow biopsy did not result in any additional disability to the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current left knee condition present, as well as whether his pre-existing left knee disorder was aggravated during his ACDUTRA service in April 2003.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically major depression rather than PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is rated at 20 percent, representing a partial grant of his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left and right knee osteoarthritis status post-total knee arthroplasty were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they related to a service-connected disability. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his claimed spinal and sinus conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee was granted, effective May 1, 2003. He is currently in receipt of a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's right hand surgery residuals with degenerative arthritis are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on appeal have been denied. The VA has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for dermatophytosis of the hands and feet, as his condition is currently noncompensable under DC 7806.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his low back strain with osteoarthritis and service connection for iritis as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral spine disability, finding no probative medical evidence linking the iritis to his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for prostate cancer with erectile dysfunction, effective December 10, 2007. The Veteran's prostate cancer is rated as voiding dysfunction.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine osteoarthritis was rated at 40 percent prior to March 29, 2006 and remains at 40 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip osteoarthritis, secondary to a gunshot wound to the buttock, was denied. His claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD with panic disorder was also denied by the RO in April 2008.

The Board has granted a 10 percent initial rating for the Veteran's right wrist fracture, effective from March 15, 2007.

The Veteran's depression is caused by his service-connected bilateral knee disorders. The claims for PTSD, a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29, and for a higher initial evaluation of the right knee disorder are withdrawn.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, ankle, and back conditions as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder. The Veteran's depression claim was also denied.