Other conditions decisions — 2007

The VA denied increased ratings for the veteran's stress reactions of both lower extremities with knee involvement, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have chronic vaginitis that is a residual of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during service.

The Board denied initial and increased evaluations for right inguinal hernia repair, finding no recurrence of the hernia and noting that the scar was well-healed with no symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lower back injury was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's bilateral numbness and tingling of the upper extremities are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The veteran's bilateral numbness and tingling of the lower extremities are granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The veteran's sleep apnea is not granted, as there is no evidence it began during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for additional examination. The appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot condition is pending.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis, including hip avascular necrosis, is not due to service or radiation exposure and denied his claim for service connection.

The appellant's DIC benefits were terminated upon her remarriage, and she is not eligible for restoration as per the current law.

The Board has determined that the veteran's character of discharge is dishonorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service medical records and the need for a VA dental examination. The veteran is seeking service connection for a dental disorder, but his claim will be reconsidered based on the findings from the examination and any additional evidence provided.

The veteran's son was born with spina bifida, but the service connection is denied as the father served in Vietnam after his son's birth.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA examination and further review of the medical records to determine if the veteran's scoliosis existed prior to service or was aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, left hand condition, cervical spine condition, and neuropsychiatric condition. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability related to active duty training (ACDUTRA) in July 1985.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a skin condition and a respiratory condition, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, status post resection of the left kidney, ureter, and bladder cuff, finding that his disability is manifested by daytime voiding intervals of one to two hours, nocturnal urination on average of two or three times per night, and urine leakage requiring absorbent materials once daily. The Board concluded that this level of dysfunction warrants a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for kyphosis and dextroscoliosis, as well as a claim for an initial compensable rating for pyloric channel ulcers. The veteran's assertions of in-service injury are considered credible.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death benefits, including dependency and indemnity compensation, death pension benefits, or accrued benefits due to her marriage not meeting the requirements of 38 C.F.R. § 3.54(c). The appellant was not married within 15 years after the veteran's discharge from service, did not live with the veteran for one year before his death, and had no children born from their union.

The veteran's treatment and medications prescribed by VA in 1995 and 1996 did not result in any chronic disabilities, including shortness of breath, weakness, drowsiness, heart failure, gastrointestinal problems, or a nervous condition. The Board found no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fibrocystic breast disease is service-connected, as it was diagnosed in service and attributed to her military service. The low back disability is not service-connected.