Other conditions decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for VA disability compensation due to an endoscopic procedure performed by VA in March 4, 2004 is being remanded for additional development.

The case is being remanded for the AOJ to obtain complete records of the veteran's hospitalization at Oak Valley Hospital and determine if he was stable for transfer to a VA facility before his death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected cold injuries to his hands and feet caused or aggravated his cause of death, leading to a grant of service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for complete loss of sense of taste, the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his claims for service connection for skin disorders to include an epidermal cyst of the neck and dermatophytosis of the groin and back, as well as for a compensable evaluation for fungus of the feet and pseudofolliculitis barbae, have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including providing VCAA notice to inform the veteran of what constitutes new and material evidence under the prior legal standard.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings and SMC for his right foot disability was granted, with the effective date being from August 3, 2005.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a biopsy and denied entitlement to a compensable evaluation for his inability to wear a partial bridge.

The Board has determined that the evidence supports the veteran's claim for service connection for endometriosis and resulting hysterectomy, finding continuity of symptomatology during and after service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for residuals of lymphadenopathy of the mediastinum (calcified density of the right lower lobe), spleen calcifications, and liver calcifications. The disabilities are rated as 10 percent disabling for lymphadenopathy, noncompensable for spleen calcifications, and noncompensable for liver calcifications.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot disorder, characterized as pes cavus or club foot deformity, did not preexist service and was aggravated by military service. However, the condition is considered congenital in nature and no increase in severity during service is shown.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking his current arthritic disabilities to military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's lung and breathing disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred due to herbicide exposure. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's claim for an initial increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of new VA medical records and a need for further examination. The case will be reviewed again after these issues are addressed.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of entitlement to VA benefits based on revocation of forfeiture, finding that new and material evidence had not been obtained. The appeal is dismissed as the claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine if the veteran's PTSD is related to a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that a remand is required with respect to the claim of service connection for numbness of the feet. The effective date for the award of service connection for epididymitis remains January 29, 2001.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against an effective date earlier than August 28, 2002 for the award of service connection for right hip strain.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for the excision of a pilonidal cyst during a hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received which is sufficient to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a resection of terminal ileum and right colon. The issue of an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.