Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hammertoes and hallux valgus were incurred in service, granting his claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to her failure to cooperate and attend scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating prior to November 20, 2006 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from November 20, 2006 for arthritis of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's prostatitis was granted a 20% evaluation effective March 10, 2009. His nephrolithiasis remains at zero percent (noncompensable).

The Veteran's fungal infection of the feet does not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laparotomy for bowel obstruction are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the previous denials was new but not material, as it did not show a relationship between the enucleation of the right eye and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination during an active phase of his service-connected gouty arthritis.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a duodenal ulcer and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been received. The Veteran's service comrades provided corroborating testimony of his gastric symptoms in service.

The Veteran's widow is seeking special monthly pension for the need of aid and attendance or being housebound. The case has been remanded due to a lack of hearing before RO personnel.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung disorder is not due to service, including asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound with right brachial plexus contusion are currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this evaluation is appropriate given the mild symptoms reported.

The Veteran's squamous cell cancer of the tongue was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has determined that additional development is required in order to satisfy VA's obligations under the VCAA for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cardiovascular disorder and joint pain.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have qualifying service for VA benefits, and thus the appellant does not meet the requirements for basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board found no evidence to support a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypogonadism, which he contends is due to receiving the anthrax vaccine in service. The case is being remanded for additional development including a VA examination and review of all relevant records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's surviving spouse had a pending claim for accrued benefits at the time of her death, and thus the appellant is entitled to such benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled VA examination, and the need to issue an SSOC considering the additional evidence.

The veteran's claim for basic eligibility for non-service-connected pension benefits is denied as he did not serve during a period of war.