Other conditions decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral weak foot disability, characterized by pronounced impairment and limited motion, warrants a 50 percent evaluation.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's bilateral clawing of the toes with callous formation, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's liver disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for pulmonary emphysema due to herbicide exposure, finding that there was no causal link between his current condition and in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of PTSD due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The VAMC changed the veteran's health care eligibility so as to require that he make co-payments for VA medical care due to his reported income exceeding the threshold.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the VA Health Eligibility Center (HCE) decision requiring him to make co-payments for medical care beginning April 12, 2003. The case needs further review and consideration.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses is denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of death pension benefits, finding that the earliest submission by the appellant indicating a desire to seek death pension benefits was on July 18, 2003.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in June and July 2003 at a private hospital was denied as he did not meet the criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for poliomyelitis, finding that there is no evidence linking his onset of poliomyelitis to his active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right epididymitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found no active symptoms of exertional rhabdomyolysis and denied an initial compensable evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for his service-connected calcific diaphragmatic pleural plaques with restrictive and obstructive lung disease. The RO has granted an increased rating from 30 to 60 percent, effective July 24, 2000. The case is being remanded due to the veteran's request for a hearing before the Board.

The veteran's claim for service connection for loss of upper and lower teeth is being remanded due to the need for compliance with VCAA notice and duty-to-assist provisions.

The veteran's back condition is being remanded for further review due to a hearing conducted by an unavailable Board Member. The issue of whether the back condition is related to service-connected sprains of the ankles remains.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis, finding no current diagnosis of arthritis and insufficient evidence to establish a link between military service and the condition.

The VA determined that the veteran's left foot drop was not caused by a fault on the part of VA in providing medical treatment, and thus denied compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the appellant's appeal due to additional development needed, including providing VCAA notice and ensuring compliance with VA's duty to assist. The case will be returned for further appellate review if necessary.

The Board denied service connection for memory loss, shortness of breath, and joint pains due to undiagnosed illnesses. The evidence did not support a finding of an undiagnosed illness.