Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right great toe with traumatic arthritis and ankylosis, finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate amputation of the great toe with removal of the metatarsal head.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's skin disability, which is more than the initial 10 percent assigned at the time of his claim. The condition is manifested by constant flaking of the scalp and frequent skin eruptions.

The veteran's service connection claim for bilateral toenail onychomycosis, claimed as thickening of the toenails due to fungal infection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's medical evaluation and treatment history supported reducing his disability rating to zero percent effective September 1, 2002.

The veteran's claims for service connection for dental treatment purposes due to trauma to the jaw resulting in injuries to the teeth and residuals of an injury to the jaw were denied. The claim for a total evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further proceedings, including requesting verification of the appellant's claimed service and reviewing additional evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records of any exposure to ionizing radiation during service and determining whether the veteran's fatal cancers might have been caused by such exposure. The RO will also review the claims folders with a VA physician to determine if his death was related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of her chronic vaginitis and stress incontinence.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his HIV was incurred during service, and denied the claim.

The Board found no evidence of dental trauma to the upper teeth resulting from service, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The lower back issue was not addressed in detail.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ulnar nerve palsy, right forearm ulnar aspect scar, and right elbow scar were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for myotubular myopathy, finding that the veteran's congenital muscular dystrophy was aggravated by physical activity during his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that there was no evidence linking the veteran's death to his service-connected disabilities.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected left index finger injury does not warrant a higher evaluation, as it currently results in no more than pain and limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that medical expenses reported after the death of the widow can be considered in determining eligibility for accrued benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death pension benefits due to her income exceeding the maximum annual rate of improved death pension.

The veteran's service is recognized guerrilla service, and as such, the appellant is not eligible for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to his qualifying service. The issues of additional burial benefits and accrued benefits on the basis of the veteran's pending claim of entitlement to prisoner of war status are remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for varicose veins, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of left leg edema and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected chronic recurrent prostatitis is currently manifested by marked obstructive symptomatology with recurrent urinary tract infections, but not requiring drainage, frequent hospitalization, or continuous intensive management. The claim for an increased evaluation is denied.,The veteran's service-connected chronic pyelonephritis is not currently manifested by albumin and casts, with history of acute nephritis, or compensable hypertension. The claim for a compensable evaluation is denied.,Evidence submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.