Other conditions decisions — 2008

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected low back pain, finding that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Crohn's disease had its inception during his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim of service connection for a disorder manifested by dizziness, which he claimed was related to his service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus. The Board determined that there is insufficient medical evidence linking the current condition to service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death in July 2004. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim, and thus denied it again in August 2006.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death from metastatic pancreatic cancer was not caused by or substantially related to his military service, including any exposure to ionizing radiation.

The veteran's service-connected stress fractures of the left and right tibia have not met the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to November 25, 2005, or after that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current upper and lower extremity disabilities are related to cold exposure during service in Korea.

The veteran's celiac disease has resolved since service, and he currently does not experience any symptoms. As a result, the claim for an initial compensable rating is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the right hip is related to service, specifically a combat injury during World War II.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examination, and development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits.

The veteran's bronchoconstriction disease is found to be related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran seeks reimbursement for unauthorized private medical expenses incurred from January 16 to 18, 2007 at W.V. medical center due to an intertrochanteric fracture of the left hip. The case is remanded to determine if VA accepted and cleared the veteran's transfer on January 16, 2007.

The veteran's emergency medical services provided by AMRW and CCCHS on August 19, 2006 are eligible for payment or reimbursement as they were rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected traumatic encephalopathy and compound fracture of the left humerus do not warrant increased evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dental caries, disability of the eyes, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, headaches, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/gastritis due to lack of evidence showing a direct link between these conditions and her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration of new evidence, including a private medical evaluation conducted in April 2008. The veteran's claim is to be readjudicated after all necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that the initial ratings of 10 percent for right and left leg disabilities are not warranted, as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation based on the severity of symptoms.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's hand tremors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for nerve damage of the right leg, finding that his income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate and there was no evidence of negligence or lack of proper skill on VA's part in causing the nerve damage.