Other conditions decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new examination and clarification of service connection issues.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his duodenal ulcer is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The RO denied the veteran's petition to reopen her claims for service connection for a jaw disorder (claimed as loss of maxilla mass) and bilateral foot disorder. The RO found that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing post-service records and a need for a medical examination.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected residuals of first and second degree burns to his right hand, effective January 2003. The initial noncompensable evaluation for the left hand disability was also granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Board has granted an initial increased evaluation of 20 percent for Raynaud's syndrome, right hand. The veteran's symptoms include characteristic attacks occurring four to six times a week with sequential color changes lasting minutes to hours and pain.

The veteran's service-connected status postoperative Gill procedure, bilateral lateral fusion, L5-S1, with iliac bone graft for spondylolisthesis and scoliosis has been rated at 40 percent since September 23, 2002. Effective September 23, 2002, the veteran's service-connected status postoperative Gill procedure was increased to a 60 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's application for enrollment in the VA health-care system due to a change in a VA regulation that suspended enrollment for certain individuals, including those who do not have compensable service-connected disabilities and whose income exceeds a geographic-means test.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, finding it due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The veteran's appeal is denied as the earlier effective date for a 40 percent evaluation for his left forearm disability is not warranted.

The Board found that the veteran's pelvic inflammatory disease and gonorrhea residuals did not have their origins in service, and thus denied her claims for service connection.

The Board has granted the application for waiver of overpayment in the amount of $2,28.27, finding that recovery would be against equity and good conscience.

The VA determined that the veteran's postoperative residuals of a left inguinal hernia do not warrant an increased rating as his condition has not recurred and he does not require a truss or other device. The Board found no evidence to support a compensable rating based on the scar.

The VA determined that the veteran's periodontal/gum disability, including associated tooth extraction for compensation purposes, is not service-connected.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the extent of his right index finger amputation. The RO will also consider whether the VCAA applies in this case.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The RO must obtain treatment records from VAOPC, Doctors Memorial Hospital, and SSA decisions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the appellant's service eligibility.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected anal fistula, finding that the veteran's disability is manifested by occasional involuntary bowel movement requiring a pad, which warrants a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's NHL, diagnosed in 2000, is not likely due to exposure to ionizing radiation during service over 25 years previously.