Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board denied service connection for arthritis in September 2004, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of this claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current benign prostatic hypertrophy and recurrent urinary tract infections were not incurred or aggravated during active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for DIC benefits, stating that since she did not file a claim within one year of her husband's death or prior to October 12, 2001, an earlier effective date may not be granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is granted with an effective date of June 12, 2002.

The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic hypertensive cardiovascular disease or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident during service, and thus the cause of death was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected cold-induced urticaria is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7825. The veteran's left hip disability was granted service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a change in hearing venue, and the case will be scheduled for a hearing at the RO.

The veteran's appeal for Specially Adapted Housing or a Special Home Adaptation Grant has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to apportionment of the veteran's disability compensation benefits for the period prior to April [redacted], 2004, due to the veteran not residing with the appellant and not reasonably discharging his responsibility for her support.

The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to November 30, 2004, for the grant of service connection for left epididymitis. The claim was filed after this date and there is no evidence that a claim was made earlier.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied as he did not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to non-qualifying service.

The veteran's service-connected proliferative retinopathy of the left eye was increased to a 40 percent rating effective July 20, 2001. The RO also awarded special monthly compensation for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records from the veteran's service in the United States Maritime Service and his employment with the Postal Service. The claim will be reconsidered after these developments.

The Board denied service connection for periodontal disease and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for postoperative residuals of right hammer toe surgery. The veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence, but the conditions were not found to be related to service.

The veteran's scars do not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 20 percent, as they do not cover an area exceeding one-half square foot or limit motion to shoulder level.

The VA denied a claim for an increased rating for arthritis of the left elbow, finding that the veteran's range of motion did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of colon cancer were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed residuals of cold weather injury to the hands and feet did not originate in service or for many years thereafter, and they are not related to any incident of service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have a disability manifested by shortness of breath and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's right parotid cancer to his military service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.