Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board finds that the Veteran's impaired vision is not related to his in-service head injury and thus denies service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for unspecified joint disorder and myasthenia gravis. The claim to reopen a back disability and skin condition was also denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim, finding that his discharge from service was due to willful and persistent misconduct. As a result, he is not eligible for VA compensation benefits.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Massena Memorial Hospital on May 12, 2007 were not reimbursable as the treatment was deemed non-emergent and no prior authorization was obtained.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected dextroscoliosis with kyphosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of her disability and any functional limitations caused by pain, weakness, or fatigue.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral occlusive disease with narrowing of the femoral arteries and neuralgia of the left hip and thigh. The Veteran's current pelvic and left hip disorders are not considered to be related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a dose estimate from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Nuclear Test Personnel Review Program and referring the claim to the VA's Under Secretary for Benefits. The appellant will be given an opportunity to respond to the supplemental statement of the case.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have any service-connected disabilities at the time of his death, and there was no evidence showing a connection between his myocardial infarction and his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for pension benefits, finding that the earliest possible effective date is October 26, 2004 based on the date of receipt of his claim. The Board also noted that there was no evidence to support a retroactive award due to changes in law or Department of Veterans Affairs issues.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's leg cramps are being remanded for further evaluation and medical opinion to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current headaches are related to his in-service concussion.

The Veteran's residuals of an abscess on the right hand are manifested by a three centimeter superficial scar, pain, and blistering with manual labor. The residual scars do not cause limitation of motion. Therefore, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hand disorders are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The VA has decided to remand the case for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's respiratory disability, including considering his exposure claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a fractured tooth number seven, which qualifies as a compensable dental condition for purposes of outpatient dental treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a chronic stomach disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for nonservice-connected pension benefits has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to reopening a claim for mucous colitis and stomach condition, and scheduling a video hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.