Other conditions decisions — 2008

The VA determined that the veteran's gout and hyperuricemia do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or exacerbations.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral corneal maculae did not develop as a result of his period of active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's loss of balance (ataxia) was not caused or aggravated by VA care, treatment, or examination. The Board found no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between the July 1994 surgery and his current symptoms.

The veteran seeks an increased disability rating for his service-connected heart condition, but the case is remanded due to a lack of recent medical records and need for further examination.

The veteran's lung cancer was found to be permanent and total on May 15, 2001, the effective date of service connection. The appellant is eligible for CHAMPVA benefits as she met the age requirement prior to June 5, 2001, and had Medicare Part A but not B.

The Board found that the veteran's numbness in his lower extremities is due to a known clinical diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which was first diagnosed many years after service and has not been medically linked to either period of service.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's respiratory disability effective from June 26, 2006. The right and left foot peripheral neuropathies are rated at 20 percent prior to July 26, 2006, and thereafter in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VCAA notification, and the appellant is required to provide new evidence that would substantiate her claim for death benefits as the surviving spouse of the veteran.

The veteran's service-connected status post laminectomy at L4-5 with arthritis is rated at 40 percent effective March 1, 2003.

The Board finds that service connection is warranted for myasthenia gravis on a direct basis, as the condition was diagnosed during the claims process and there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The other issues are denied.

The VA denied an increased disability rating for the veteran's traumatic neuritis of the spine, currently rated at 40 percent. The evidence did not show severe incomplete paralysis or marked muscular atrophy.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of steam burns to the arms, back, flank, thighs, calves, and left ear is being remanded due to a need for additional development.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the cause of the veteran's death and providing proper notice to the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chondromalacia patella of both knees does not warrant an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for proper VCAA notice regarding the bases for the prior denial and what evidence would be necessary to substantiate that element or elements required to establish service connection.

The veteran's overpayment of non-service connected disability pension benefits in the amount of $9,279.00 is waived due to hardship caused by his and his wife's need for dialysis and full-time care.

The VA has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left radius fracture with resection do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 20 percent assigned.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current stomach disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, nor is it caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's skin disability, including solar keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma of the hands, arms, and face, is due to sun exposure during his period of active service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.