Other conditions decisions — 2007

From January 29, 2001, through April 18, 2006, the veteran's cystocele required changing absorbent materials two to three times per day. From April 18, 2006, she needed to change them more than four times per day.

The Board denied an increased rating for the right eye disability, finding that the veteran's impairment of visual acuity and field vision does not warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for multiple myeloma, finding that there were no accrued benefits due as the veteran was fully compensated at the proper rate for 2 years prior to his death.

The Board found that the veteran's muscle injury does not more closely approximate moderately severe disability than moderate disability, and therefore denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left thigh.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for gouty arthritis in May 1984. The evidence submitted since that decision does not meet the criteria to be considered new and material, thus the claim remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hip tendonitis does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension. The Board finds that the current rating adequately compensates his disability.

The Board found that the veteran's lung condition, including silicosis due to exposure to silica dust in service, was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a human bite to the chest, finding that there was no competent evidence linking the current scar to service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for proper notice under 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b) and a VA skin examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected alopecia.

The Board finds that the veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil and oropharynx was likely caused by his exposure to Agent Orange during service, granting dependency and indemnity compensation based on service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board found that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support at his 18th birthday, and thus denied the claim for recognition as a helpless child.

The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the veteran's varicose veins of the right leg, effective September 12, 2006. The claim was denied for ratings in excess of 10 and 20 percent prior to that date.

The Board has granted service connection for posterior pole disease and retinal degeneration with central scotomas due to quinine toxicity, effective April 18, 2001.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to VA benefits based on the character of discharge from active duty. The appellant's character of discharge is found to be a bar to VA benefits due to his prolonged absence without leave (AWOL).

The veteran's overpayment of $6,143.04 is waived due to the failure to notify VA of his incarceration and resulting reduction in benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that his lower spine disorder did not meet criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and arranging for a VA examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected mycosis fundoides and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The claim will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The veteran's current cardiac arrhythmia is not shown to be due to an in-service electric shock, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not caused by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice regarding effective dates for service connection and special monthly compensation.