Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence from the early 60s and insufficient notification regarding the bases for the previous denial.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of heat stroke and granted service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right thumb with an initial noncompensable rating, but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

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

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

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