Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back and left leg injuries, finding no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the residuals of a comminuted fracture of the left distal radius, finding that the disability did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for emphysema and cancer of the larynx, both presumed to be due to asbestos exposure during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral interstitial fibrosis is related to service, specifically in-service asbestos exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disease of the hands and did not address his requests for earlier effective dates for service connection.

The veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance (A&A) while hospitalized at government expense from May 11, 2005, to August 16, 2006 was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has denied reopening the previously denied claim for service connection for a left eye vision defect. The case is now remanded to the RO for proper VCAA notice and development.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy, finding that her symptoms were not incurred during active military service.

The veteran's bilateral hip disorder and basal/squamous cell carcinoma were not shown to be related to his active service, and the Board denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood warrants a rating of 30 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant in April 2007.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or back disorder, and there is no competent medical evidence linking any current disorders to his active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's spouse is seeking an increase in the amount of apportionment of his disability compensation benefits for their two minor children. The case has been remanded due to inconsistencies and lack of information regarding the financial status of both parties.

The veteran seeks to establish service connection for a stomach condition and rectosigmoid cancer, which he claims is related to his service-connected left inguinal hernia. The Board has ordered additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date prior to August 30, 2002 for the grant of special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as there was no claim filed before this date.

The Board found that the veteran's currently diagnosed left heel spurs are attributable to her period of active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for residuals of status post right ACL reconstruction and service connection for residuals of a corneal abrasion, finding no evidence of current disabilities or service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues related to the validity of an overpayment of VA improved pension benefits. The veteran and his representative will be asked to submit additional financial information, which may affect the decision on waiver of recovery.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses received at Mercy Memorial Health Center on February 1-2, 2004 is granted as all criteria under the Millennium Health Care Benefits Act have been met.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that there was no nexus between his service-connected disabilities and his fatal condition.