Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's request for service connection for peptic (duodenal) ulcer with gastrointestinal complaints is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The September 2004 rating decision denying service connection for myasthenia gravis, including as secondary to Agent Orange exposure, is final. The evidence received since the September 2004 decision does not meet the criteria for reopening the claim.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was bronchogenic carcinoma, but service connection for this condition is not warranted due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for his mechanical back pain with a history of strain was denied. The RO in Detroit, Michigan continued the 20 percent disability rating assigned to the Veteran's chronic low back pain.

The Board found that atherosclerosis with peripheral vascular disease status post leg amputations was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not attributable to service-connected nephritis. The Veteran's increased rating claim for nephritis also failed.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she did not meet the legal requirements to be considered his surviving spouse.

The Board found that the Veteran's throat cancer is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his current condition to his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left eye disability is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral skin condition of the foot, to include onychomycosis, is granted as her current diagnosis and credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service place the evidence in equipoise.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefit purposes.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of whether there are current residuals from a right inguinal herniorraphy incurred in service and their etiology.

The Veteran's request for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from May 31, 2007 through July 3, 2007 was denied due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's skin disability, onychomycosis of the toes, bilateral feet, has been rated at 10 percent since the claim was filed. The Board found that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his condition affects less than one percent of his entire body and no exposed areas were affected.

The Veteran's current toenail fungus, bilateral feet is related to active service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's esophageal cancer is related to his active naval service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for gastrointestinal disease, to include an ulcer.

The Veteran's skin rash of the buttocks is causally related to his active duty service and therefore, service connection is granted.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right leg fracture and subsequent surgery did not result in additional disability, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether hallux valgus was incurred in service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.