Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pains and palpitations, as well as an initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current diagnosed disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left and right hip disability is secondarily related to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death benefits as her late husband had no qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, and thus was not a veteran for purposes of entitlement to VA benefits.

The Veteran's low back disability, manifested by pain and limited motion, has been rated at 20 percent since April 11, 2000. The current rating is not higher than what was assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for bilateral cold injury residuals of the lower extremities should have an effective date of June 15, 2005.

The Board determined that the appellant was not entitled to DIC benefits as a helpless child due to lack of evidence showing he was permanently incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical defect prior to his 18th birthday.

The Veteran's multilevel spondylosis with large endplate osteophytes results in forward flexion limited to less than 30 degrees, but does not result in ankylosis or in neurologic manifestations. The RO granted service connection for the disability and assigned a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the VA's decision and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for special monthly pension based on the need for regular and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his skin disorder and scheduling a Travel Board hearing for his claim of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he had died prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with evidence review and a need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's cheilitis granulomatosis was initially rated at 10% prior to October 1, 2001, and increased to 50% after that date. The initial rating for dysthymia remains at 10%.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right calf has been granted, but no specific effective date was assigned as it is within one year of when the application for increase was received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic residuals of a left arm injury and lung disability, to include as due to exposure to asbestos was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have current acquired left arm disability related to injury or any other event in service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is inactive and asymptomatic, thus not warranting a compensable disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental condition including periodontitis, for the purposes of obtaining treatment is granted due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic skin condition that was incurred in service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater) proximately due to, or chronically aggravated by, any service-connected disability, including diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner should also opine as to whether the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability is related to his active military service.