Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg and hip disorder was reopened, and the Board found that his left leg and hip disorder is related to active duty service. The right leg disorder claim requires further development as it involves a complex medical issue.

The Veteran died of septic shock with pneumonia as the underlying cause. The service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death.

The Veteran's cataract with lattice degeneration and retinal holes of the left eye is rated as noncompensable, and there is no evidence of visual acuity impairment warranting a compensable rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, specifically as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army.

The Veteran's claim for a waiver of premiums on Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance was denied because he is working and thus does not meet the legal criteria for eligibility.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the current state of the Veteran's service-connected loss of smell and taste, as well as to address his claim for increased ratings. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and readjudication.

The Veteran's throat disorder, including hiatal hernia with Schatzki's ring, gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia, cardiospasm, and achalasia, is related to his military service. The toe disorder, diagnosed as fracture dislocation of the right fifth toe with residuals of pain and pressure, is also related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and an increased rating for generalized anxiety disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for waiver of his debt was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that an additional VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gynecological disorder, including whether it is related to her in-service symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected left thumb ulnar collateral ligament disruption and incompetence is currently rated as noncompensable, with no additional functional impairment. The scar from melanoma removal on the right lower back also does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was dismissed as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, including peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. The cause of death listed on his death certificate is esophageal cancer.

The Veteran claims service connection for a dental disability, but the evidence is insufficient to decide the claim. Further development is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins, left leg, finding that there was no increase in severity during service and thus not aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The evidence did not show an increase in severity.

The Veteran died in April 2006, and the appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits for the month of April as he was already paid his disability benefits for that month.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing at the RO.