Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence, which indicates predominant limitation of motion. The claim is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of hemothorax were denied as his lung disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected left calf muscle sprain is currently rated as noncompensable due to the absence of evidence of moderate impairment, and no higher rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a fractured nose. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including medical records and personnel files, the Board finds that there is no credible evidence linking the current nasal disability to service or any incident therein.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of a right inguinal herniorrhaphy, finding that there was no evidence of recurrent hernia and thus no basis to grant a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits, to include special monthly pension (SMP), is denied as he did not meet the service requirements to establish basic eligibility.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin rash due to herbicide exposure, an increased rating for urticaria, and a compensable rating for sebaceous cysts.

The VA determined that the veteran's grade III spondylolisthesis of L5 with spondylolysis does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent, as it did not cause unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left eye disability.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his left femur fracture residuals, which may affect his disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need to verify stressors during service.

The Board has denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for deviated nasal septum with residuals septectomy and nasal polyps, finding that new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The veteran was found to be in need of aid and attendance based on his hospitalization at a nursing home for over six months prior to returning home, which qualifies him for special monthly pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 30, 2003 for service connection of CVA residuals. The veteran was granted a 40% rating for hypertension, but his claim for an earlier effective date remains denied.

The Board has determined that the RO properly adjusted the veteran's pension benefits based on his countable income and the dates of cohabitation and separation with his wife.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a bone disorder and a foot disorder due to exposure to ionizing radiation, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for varicose veins and left leg phlebitis. The RO has denied the request, and the case is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA health care system was denied due to his non-service-connected status, high income and net worth, and because he submitted his application after January 17, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an incomplete record and potential need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's polio pre-existed active service and was not aggravated therein, thus denying his claim for service connection.