Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service was under dishonorable conditions due to his prolonged unauthorized absence, and thus constitutes a bar to VA benefits. The claim has been denied.

The appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to indications of additional disabilities, including a recent accident requiring constant care.

The Veteran's Barrett's esophagitis is found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder, while the hiatal hernia is not related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's service personnel records and medical records from his civilian employment as a mechanic. The VA will then conduct an examination to determine if any current lung conditions are related to his in-service health issues or exposure to chemicals/fumes.

The appellant is not eligible for CHAMPVA benefits starting from November 1, 2007. The case has been remanded to the Winston Salem Regional Office.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Crohn's disease is granted as the evidence shows a current disability, in-service symptomatology consistent with the current condition, and a medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on December 29, 2005 were denied as the condition did not require immediate emergency care and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran is service-connected for multiple disabilities and unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions, resulting in a TDIU.

The Board found that esophagitis was not incurred in service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability, including pancreatitis.

The Veteran currently suffers from HIV-related illness and there is a reasonable basis for attributing such disability to his military service. The Board finds it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's HIV-related illness is attributable to his active military service, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's corns and calluses of both feet are rated at 10 percent, the maximum available rating under DC 7819-7804 for benign skin neoplasms. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's right leg injury was not incurred during service, arthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge, and there is no causal or etiologic relationship between his current conditions and his military service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for loss of left eye vision was denied as his current visual acuity does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's polyclonal protein was not found to be related to his service, specifically Agent Orange exposure. The Board determined that there is no evidence of a disability manifested by polyclonal protein or multiple myeloma.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for varicose veins, right knee disability, and back disability due to new and material evidence presented since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and records of treatment.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his left leg and right arm disabilities, as well as the initial rating for his left knee disability, were denied by the Board. The Veteran's left leg disability is currently rated at 10 percent due to slight ankle impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected herbicide exposure contributed to his death from cancer of the Hypopharynx.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any residuals of his in-service right foot stress fracture, and thus is not entitled to a compensable disability evaluation.