Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's urticaria was initially rated at 20 percent prior to September 22, 2005, and upgraded to 40 percent effective September 22, 2005. The maximum ratings available for this disability are already assigned.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the left lower extremity have not warranted a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's spondylolisthesis at L5-S1, status post laminectomy and fusion is manifested by chronic low back pain, moderate limitation of motion, and X-ray findings of degenerative disc and joint disease. The evidence does not show severe impairment or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks during a 12-month period.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a pilonidal cyst with sinus formation was denied as the RO has already assigned the earliest possible effective date provided by law.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of head trauma, including difficulties with eating, walking, talking, and memory problems, is being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's fatal emphysema was not caused by a service-connected disability and denied the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a verifiable stressor related to service, and thus cannot establish service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Crohn's disease was denied as the RO has already assigned the earliest possible effective date provided by law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's interstitial lung disease is likely due to asbestos exposure during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple myeloma was not caused or aggravated by his service. The claim for service connection must be denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, was denied. The Board found no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability and concluded that the Veteran did not have a currently present respiratory condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further review of additional evidence submitted by his private physician.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected spondylolysis with degenerative joint disease warrants a rating of 10 percent, effective the day following his discharge from active duty. The claim for an earlier effective date for left hand neuropathy is granted and the effective date is set at January 19, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a specific report related to chemical exposure during service. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for immune deficiency in the blood resulting in intolerance to infection, boils of the face, and allergic skin reaction to the sun due to chemical exposure is being reconsidered.

The Board found that the Veteran's right eye condition, including detached retina and cataract, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between his service and current right eye disability.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.

The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date for apportionment of the veteran's VA benefits on behalf of his minor child, finding that there is no legal basis to award such a date as the decision was based on facts found and governed by the date of receipt of the claim.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal with impairment of the right fifth finger, finding that the disability did not warrant such a rating based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for voiding problems is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.