Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder has been rated at 30 percent since November 23, 1994. The Board found that the disability results in definite social and industrial impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis does not render him unemployable due to his condition alone, as other health conditions also impair his ability to work.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently manifest meralgia paresthetica or any other neurologic abnormality related to service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee laxity and limitation of motion were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on the current diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right thumb disability was denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's unauthorized private dental treatment from April 30, 2002 through March 25, 2003 and continuation of that treatment through January 2005 is granted for reimbursement.

The Veteran's service records do not show any findings of cold injury residuals. The VA examinations and treatment records indicate that the Veteran currently experiences symptoms related to his feet, but no current disability has been established.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right knee disability, effective from February 10, 2005. The claim was previously remanded and adjudicated multiple times.

The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorders are rated at 10 percent each, and his IBS with pruritus ani and GERD is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for excessive sweating has been withdrawn, and the rating for gout of the left big toe has been increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected poorly differentiated large cell neuroendocrine tumor of the left lung does not have any residuals, and his current COPD is linked to smoking. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of his temporary total disability rating beyond December 31, 2003, and a higher rating for his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed brain disorders are not related to his service-connected seizure disorder and have been attributed to other causes such as aging, hypercholesterolemia, or age-related atrophy. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right hand laceration was denied as there is no current disability found.

The appellant's father had a bad conduct discharge from military service, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits for the appellant. The claim of entitlement to VA death benefits is denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant and entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only. As a result, these issues are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as his claimed stressors were not related to active duty and he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found that there was no evidence of aggravation of a preexisting psychiatric disorder during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left eye disability in January 1967. The RO declined to reopen the claim again in May 2006, finding no new and material evidence. The Veteran submitted additional medical records but they were not considered material as they did not show aggravation of his left eye disabilities during service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for multiple injuries sustained during his military service, including arteriosclerosis of the legs and fractures of the hip and fibula. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to review the evidence de novo.