Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral residuals of pneumothorax were increased to a 30 percent rating effective April 14, 2004. The disability was previously rated at noncompensable prior to that date.

The VA determined that the appellant's left inguinal scar, with slight tenderness but no evidence of restriction or function impairment, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his residuals of a herniotomy.

The Board found that the Veteran's colon cancer did not manifest as a result of his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his post-traumatic arthritis of the right elbow and ulnar nerve impingement, with ratings of 30 percent and 40 percent respectively.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory distress and pleural effusions, which may have contributed to his death.

The Veteran's minor child is entitled to an apportionment of $100 of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits, as the Veteran is not reasonably discharging his responsibility for supporting the child and there are no other dependents in need of support.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current skin condition is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injuries to the feet and legs was denied as there is no medical evidence linking his current conditions to service, including exposure to cold injuries.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for her service-connected functional bowel disorder with distal esophagitis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and proper VCAA notification.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate notice and missing VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate notice provided to the appellant.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected malaria does not warrant a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of active disease or current residuals.

The Board has determined that the appellant is eligible as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefit purposes, and thus grants her claim. The DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a neck injury and malaria with secondary gallbladder condition were denied. The Board also remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for impingement syndrome of the left shoulder (minor) and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for atrial fibrillation was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's initial rating for dermatophytosis of the feet was denied, and his effective date for TDIU was upheld.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including throat and esophagus conditions, is not considered service-connected. His bilateral foot disorder, primarily diagnosed as tinea pedis and onychomycosis, also does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for postoperative residuals of a detached retina of the right eye, finding that this condition is linked to the veteran's INACDUTRA period in May 2004.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lung disorder, claimed as residuals of pleurisy, was denied because there is no evidence linking the current lung condition to his active duty service.