Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's current left foot disability is not related to her active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for pulmonary/respiratory disease claimed as due to asbestos exposure, finding that there is no medical evidence establishing a nexus between any current respiratory condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a neck injury are manifested by moderate limitation of motion and do not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's unreimbursed medical expenses for the year 2005 were properly counted, reducing his countable income to determine his pension benefits. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that there is no current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically an arachnoid cyst or residuals of a head injury including dementia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scoliosis, which was preexisting and a congenital defect, was aggravated by an incident during service resulting in low back pain. Therefore, the Veteran is granted service connection for his low back disability.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for PVD in the left lower extremity from December 2, 2002 to February 24, 2009.

The Veteran's recurrent scoliosis of the thoracic spine is currently rated at 10 percent, which meets his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for exposure to electromagnetic field, nonionizing radiation as there is no new and material evidence provided.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for bilateral cataracts effective December 30, 2008. Prior to this date, the Veteran was not entitled to any higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have qualifying service as a Veteran, and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC and an earlier effective date was granted, with the SMC at the P-1 rate being effective from December 19, 1991.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a stomach disorder that is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds the current record inadequate and requires additional medical examination and development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development and readjudication due to missing documents, out-of-order filing of documents, and issues related to calendar years 2003 and 2004.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for 'jungle rot' of the lower extremities. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination and determine if the appellant now suffers from a dermatological condition related to his military service in Vietnam. The earlier effective date issue for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for radiation burns of the buttocks due to treatment at a VA facility, but additional records from SSA need to be obtained before further action can be taken.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional information and compliance with all due process considerations.

The Veteran's request for a travel board hearing has been noted, and he is to be scheduled for one at the earliest opportunity. The appeal will be remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for allergies and hives, as well as his attempt to reopen a claim of service connection for migraine headaches. The evidence did not support an in-service onset or relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the residuals of a pilonidal cyst, service connection for a back disorder, heart condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.