Other conditions decisions — 2006

The Board denied service connection for cataract of the right eye and denied an increased rating for traumatic cataract of the left eye. The veteran's right eye condition is not related to his service-connected left eye disability, and there is no evidence linking the right eye condition to service.

The Board found that the veteran did not have varicose veins during service and that his current condition is not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a left hand disorder and denied eligibility for VA dental treatment due to lack of evidence within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability did not warrant a higher rating under any of the criteria in effect during the appeal period, as his forward flexion was within normal limits and he had no unfavorable ankylosis. The veteran's neurologic symptoms were separately rated.

The Board has determined that the evidence and information currently of record are sufficient to substantiate the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral patellofemoral syndrome. Therefore, no further development is required to comply with the notice or duty to assist provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a neurological examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome.

The veteran's right and left elbow ligament damage, diagnosed as epicondylitis and cubital tunnel syndrome, are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board finds that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of her disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and compensation evaluations for his service-connected bilateral pes planus, deviated nasal septum, and dental disorder. The veteran's deviated nasal septum was found to be manifested by a mildly deviated septum with 30-40% obstruction on one side, without any significant interference with employment or hospitalization.

The Board has determined that hyperlipidemia, a laboratory test result, does not constitute a disability for which service connection can be granted.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected nerve damage, left median nerve and nerve transection, femoral nerve, left lower extremity.

The veteran's service did not meet the required criteria for eligibility to receive nonservice-connected disability pension benefits due to a lack of active, wartime service.

The veteran seeks an effective date prior to May 22, 2003 for service connection of HIV/AIDS, HTLVIII, and dysphoric disorder. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain records related to a VA examination scheduled in May 2003.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for an apportionment of the veteran's compensation benefits due to the fact that the veteran is reasonably discharging his responsibility for the appellant's support, despite receiving more than $1550 per month in spousal support.

The Board has granted service connection for epididymitis and testicular pain, finding that the veteran's condition is related to his active duty service. The claim for service connection for a right shoulder disorder was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The VA has determined that the appellant is not eligible for VA benefits due to lack of military service. The appeal is being returned to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the veteran's December 5, 2003 eye treatment was an emergency and whether VA facilities were accessible for his condition.

The VA determined that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board has granted service connection for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus as a result of presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring further development including a new VA examination.

The Board found that chronic edema and swelling of the lower extremities were not incurred or aggravated by active military service or due to a service-connected disability.