Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected Osgood-Schlatter Disease of the left knee does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his service-connected genitourinary disability, finding that a noncompensable rating is warranted prior to January 22, 2003, and a 30 percent rating is warranted from that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder disability, diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis, was caused by complications from VA surgical treatment in May 2001 and not due to negligence or fault on the part of VA. As such, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 31, 2001 for a grant of special monthly compensation based on residuals of removal of left testicle.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and attempting to locate missing service medical records. The appellant is also scheduled for a VA orthopedic examination to determine if his current hip disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's varicose veins do not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent for either lower extremity, as there is no evidence of persistent ulceration or massive board-like edema.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for pulmonary embolism was denied by the Board. The decision found that no evidence had been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims, and thus there was no basis for assigning an earlier effective date.

The Board found that the veteran's sinus problems did not develop during service and are not related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected injuries to Muscle Groups XIII and XIV warrant a 10 percent disability rating each, as their manifestations do not meet or approximate criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back strain with osteopenia and spondylosis is not due to any event or injury during his military service, nor can it be presumed to have been incurred therein. Therefore, service connection for the claimed disability is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his postoperative residuals of a lateral meniscectomy and chondromalacia in both knees were denied as the conditions do not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to the prohibition on compensation benefits for disability resulting from abuse of alcohol or drugs, effective October 31, 1990.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for left nephrectomy and to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of back strain due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a blocked windpipe due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a schizoaffective disorder was denied as his original claim was received more than one year after his separation from active duty.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the feet does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right leg disability is not related to his service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim of entitlement to service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot injury with a cheilectomy of the great toe does not warrant an initial rating higher than 20 percent.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities require a higher level of care, necessitating special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The veteran is completely dependent on others for his total care, including daily bowel care, transfers, catheterization changes, food preparation, and bathing.