Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined service connection claims and will refer it back for adjudication of these new issues. The Veteran's priority group level for VA medical care benefits is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's skin disability was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral ear disability, including as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded for additional development and consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and cancer of the larynx, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or asbestos exposure. The Board also found that smoking and alcohol consumption were more likely causes of the Veteran's current health issues.

The Board is unable to ascertain the Veteran's annual income for the years while his claim has been pending, and thus remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's cause of death (CHF, ASHD, CML, and PVD) were not related to his service. His service-connected PTSD and cold weather injury residuals did not contribute to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis of the right leg were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in service. The claim for a low back disorder was previously remanded but is not addressed here.

The Board determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right eye disorder did not increase in severity during service and found no evidence of a permanent increase in severity post-service. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased rating for herpes and service connection for hypertension, back disability, and right knee disability. The criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7806 were not met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for aphonia resulting from laryngeal cancer is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent under Diagnostic Code 6519.

The veteran's application for enrollment in the VA healthcare system was denied because he did not meet the eligibility criteria based on his service-connected disabilities and income status.

The Board has granted service connection for a right inguinal hernia and right epididymitis. Service connection is denied for left leg disability and left foot disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability manifested by foot pain and ETD, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's service in the United Arab Emirates and to conduct further medical examinations. The goal is to determine if his current lung disorder, including histoplasmosis, was incurred or aggravated during this deployment.

The Veteran's bilateral defective hearing is measured at literal levels of I based on consistent audiological evidence. He has been prescribed hearing aids, but his hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits as there was no legal entitlement to this benefit under the laws of the United States.

The veteran withdrew the appeal of his claim for service connection for dry skin.

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected back disability, which is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The case has been remanded due to the need for further development and examination.