Other conditions decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic depressed schizoaffective disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and a contemporaneous examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any residuals of his service-connected ancylostomiasis, and thus a compensable rating is denied.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Central Maine Medical Center was denied because he refused to be transferred to a VA facility after stabilizing from initial emergency treatment.

The veteran's service-connected cold injuries to both feet are currently rated at the maximum allowable evaluation of 30 percent each, and no further increase is warranted.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain relevant medical records and conduct a new examination to determine if the veteran's lung disorder is related to service, specifically exposure to mustard gas. The case will be re-adjudicated after this additional development.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under current criteria. The appeal has been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for transverse myelitis, bladder disability, gastrointestinal condition, and back pain. The evidence submitted since the November 2001 RO decision did not relate these conditions to service or any other basis.

The Board denied the appellant's request to be recognized as the surviving spouse of her deceased husband, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted since the previous denial in July 1999.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a pelvis disability, jaw disability, or dental condition attributable to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination to address the veteran's cervical spine disability and right-sided numbness.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for special monthly pension at the housebound rate and eligibility for accrued benefits. The cause of death was congestive heart failure, which is not service-connected. The veteran had non-service-connected disabilities including COPD, postoperative residuals of coronary bypass, impaired vision, hypertension, and hypothyroidism.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hand disability, characterized by unfavorable ankylosis of three fingers (long, ring, and small), warrants a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's sleep disorder is related to his service-connected spinal condition and any in-service sleep problems.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his right thumb disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current duodenal ulcer and finds no medical evidence linking his claimed condition to service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left eye blindness does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, as his right eye vision is normal and he does not meet the criteria for blindness in both eyes.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for a duodenal ulcer, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's thoracic aortic arch aneurysm is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying in-service stressors for PTSD.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the increased rating for transverse myelitis with weakness of the left lower extremity, and as a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.