Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for trench mouth, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his T-5 compression fracture with degenerative joint disease is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's teeth numbered 18, 30, and 31 were extracted within 180 days of his entrance into active service. As a result, he is not eligible for VA outpatient dental treatment or compensation.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1805 as there is no competent evidence that she has spina bifida, which is a form of spina bifida.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to lack of necessary evidence, including verification of service dates, marriage and death certificates, and private treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of front teeth for the purpose of obtaining VA outpatient dental treatment based on new and material evidence submitted since the June 2000 decision. The issue will now be addressed by the Board on a de novo basis.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the appellant is entitled to accrued benefits in excess of $6,886.75 already awarded due to a lack of explanation for the assessment of expenses associated with the Veteran's last sickness.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for a deviated nasal septum with residual breathing problems and loss of smell, and numbness of the left side of tongue with decreased focal articulation to the RO for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to determine if her current polysubstance abuse disorder was caused or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for partial blindness in the left eye.

The Veteran's left hand disability, including pain, loss of strength, and loss of use, is not considered to be due to VA treatment or care. The Board finds that the additional disability did not result from VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gout and status post left heel bone spur removal, peripheral neuropathy, bladder condition, and chronic bronchitis. The evidence did not establish direct service connection or a link to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic respiratory disorder, including as due to in-service asbestos exposure, was denied by the Board. The evidence did not support a finding that his current condition is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The RO has not been able to ascertain his current address, leading to confusion and delays in communication. The claim is being remanded to clarify his current address and provide necessary notices.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was reasonably related to his service-connected scars and pain medication used for those conditions, granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue, recurrent rashes, muscle pain, and joint pain were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's fatigue is a symptom of his already service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. There was no evidence of chronic skin disability or undiagnosed illness due to exposure in Vietnam or other events in service. However, it was at least as likely as not that the Veteran's muscle and joint pain are manifestations of an undiagnosed illness or qualifying chronic disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for death pension benefits as her former spouse did not have any recognizable service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gynecological disorder, including menometrorrhagia and endometriosis, was initially manifested during service and continued after service, culminating in a total hysterectomy. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's spouse is seeking special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance. The case has been remanded due to scheduling issues.

The Veteran's claims for heart/pleural pericarditis, liver condition, and high cholesterol were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to service. The claim for a skin condition was remanded due to the need for additional development.