Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board found that the appellant's right eye disorder, including his cataract and subsequent retinal tear, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a left elbow fracture is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and all manifestations of his disability, including functional impairment caused by pain.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering the applicability of 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b).

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his service or any service-connected condition. The appeal is based on the veteran's belief that his current gastrointestinal problems are due to his right testicular cancer and/or PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's back injury, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa of the left axilla results in scars with underlying soft tissue damage, and assigns a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a hysterectomy and residuals therefrom, finding that the veteran's gynecological disorders are related to her military service. The increased evaluation and temporary total disability rating claims are also remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease and meniscectomy, warrants a 20 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a pinched nerve in her neck, finding no competent medical evidence showing that any current cervical spine disability initially manifested as a result of her active service.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a total hysterectomy with a suspended bladder is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right lung disorder, including coccidioidomycosis due to lack of cooperation in development and unclear findings regarding the current disability.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused or hastened by VA care, and denied entitlement to DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded to determine if the veteran could have been safely discharged from a private hospital after February 8, 2004. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for dementia, effective March 5, 1998.

The Board found that the veteran's CHF and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his diabetes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disability of syringomyelia had its onset during service, and therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran was not discharging his responsibility for his estranged spouse's support and thus, denied the apportionment of $250 per month from his VA disability compensation benefits.

The appellant's claim for restoration of DIC benefits is denied as a matter of law due to the absence of any dispute with the relevant facts and because she did not meet the legal requirements for such benefits.

The veteran seeks service connection for right hand and left hand disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that a medical examination is necessary to determine the relationship between current hand disabilities and military service.