Other conditions decisions — 2004

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer does not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current 10 percent rating.

The Board denied an increased rating for condyloma accuminata of the penis due to the veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the left knee disability as secondary to the service-connected right hip disability, and increased the rating for the right hip disability from 10 percent to 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development and evidence, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the veteran's current foot disabilities are related to cold weather injuries sustained during service.

The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral leg and foot pain. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a nexus opinion regarding the etiology of any current disorders.

The Board has ordered further development due to errors in the initial decision and issues related to secondary service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including searching for unit records and obtaining an examination.

The veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left leg disability resulting from VA hospitalization or medical or surgical treatment in January 1998. The Board has determined that additional development and consideration are needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board found that the veteran's post-service episodes of hepatosplenomegaly resolved without residuals and he does not currently have a medically diagnosed chronic liver or spleen disorder. Therefore, service connection for hepatosplenomegaly was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of the record, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA dental examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's epididymitis existed prior to his service and was not aggravated by service, but is currently present. Therefore, service connection for epididymitis is granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of duodenal ulcer disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The VA determined that the veteran's groin strain did not originate in service and is not otherwise causally related to his military service, thus denying the claim.

The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and provided insufficient evidence to support his claim of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder. The diagnosis was made, but there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema, finding that it is not related to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant and veteran did not enter into a common law marriage prior to May 2001, which is required for her to be recognized as the surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The claim for PTSD was not adjudicated due to lack of evidence and the issue remains pending.

The Board denied compensable evaluations for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right forearm and right upper arm in July 1993, but assigned a 10% evaluation for a chest wound. The veteran is now challenging this decision on grounds of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to the right chest do not warrant a disability rating in excess of 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for ulcerative colitis and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and ensuring proper VCAA notification.