Other conditions decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for TDIU and a higher rating for HSV was denied. The Board found that the veteran did not meet the threshold requirements for TDIU prior to June 5, 1997 due to his combined disability rating of 40 percent at that time. For the increased rating claim, the Board noted that the veteran's HSV symptoms were considered under the old criteria and a higher rating was not warranted.

The veteran's service-connected endometriosis, confirmed by laparoscopy, has been productive of severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding not controlled by treatment, abdominal distention, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting since October 7, 2004. The Board granted a 50 percent rating for the condition effective from that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right leg varicose veins are not service-connected due to lack of a nexus between his current condition and military service. The claim for secondary service connection is also denied.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for essential tremors, finding no new and material evidence to support the claim.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the veteran's HIV infection was related to his military service, including reviewing records from his time aboard USS Flint and any VA examination conducted in July 1996.

The Board has found that the veteran's trichotillomania is service-connected, but his PTSD claim requires further development due to unverified stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for initial review and consideration of additional evidence received since the most recent SSOC.

The Board found that the veteran's current cognitive disorder was not incurred in active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's additional disability was not caused by VA care, treatment, or examination and denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for death pension benefits, finding that she did not meet the legal requirements to be recognized as the surviving spouse of her deceased husband due to his peacetime service.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his basal cell carcinoma, and the RO has not addressed service connection for a new lesion on his right ear. The case is being remanded to address these issues.

The Board found no evidence of a current lung disorder related to asbestos exposure in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of information regarding his income and dependents, making it impossible to determine if he meets the income requirements.

The veteran's ex-wife is seeking an increased apportionment of VA disability benefits on behalf of their daughter for the period from August 1, 2002 to April [redacted], 2004. The Board denied this claim as it would cause undue hardship to the veteran.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of the claims, including obtaining pertinent VA medical records and providing corrective VCAA notice.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected type II diabetes mellitus has contributed to the development of his peripheral vascular, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a residual disability due to measles/rubella and PTSD, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 23, 2004, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations of various disabilities, including hair loss and baldness, TMJ syndrome, a scar on her left auricle and sternomastoid muscle, partial paralysis of the seventh (facial) nerve, pleural effusion, adjustment disorder, and an effective date prior to October 19, 2005 for service connection of adjustment disorder.