Other conditions decisions — 2007

The VA granted an increased disability rating of 10 percent for service-connected hallux valgus of the left foot, effective from May 1, 2006. The veteran's claim for increased rating for chronic lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's residuals of gunshot wound to the right leg, Muscle Group XII, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of shell fragment wounds with retained foreign bodies in his left upper extremity, finding that the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence of current residuals of a right leg injury, and thus the veteran's claim for service connection for such condition cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further procedural and evidentiary development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the veteran's claustrophobia is service-connected.

The veteran's claim for service connection for Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, claimed as exposure to extremely cold weather during active duty, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of the case under the holding in Wagner v. Principi.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right thigh disability was denied, as the evidence did not show any loss of deep fascia or muscle substance.,Service connection for a left leg disorder was also denied because there is no diagnosed condition in the left leg that can be linked to the service-connected right thigh disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a verified stressor and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right foot injury was denied as there is no evidence that the current disability is related to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for pterygium of the right eye and service connection for pterygium of the left eye, finding no evidence of loss of vision or aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of removal of the right testicle is denied as there was no evidence showing a service-incurred injury or disease resulting in the need for the procedure.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral vascular disease is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the veteran's surviving spouse, finding that they were not married at the time of his death and thus did not meet the legal requirements.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance or housebound rates, nor does he qualify for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy as it did not become manifest within one year of the veteran's separation from service and there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for accrued benefits, service connection for cardiovascular disease, and eligibility for DIC under section 1318 of Title 38, United States Code. The cause of death was determined to be cardio-respiratory arrest with pneumonia.

The veteran's deviated nasal septum is currently rated at the maximum schedular rate of 10 percent. The Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating as there is no evidence that the disability has worsened or meets any other criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for higher ratings for multiple joint pain due to undiagnosed illness was granted, with a 10 percent rating effective February 26, 1996 and increased to 20 percent after September 1, 2000.