Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran's Crohn's disease causes frequent bowel movements and malnutrition, warranting a 60 percent rating. The anal fistula is rated separately at 10 percent due to its impact on the Veteran's ability to work.

The Veteran's right lower extremity hemiparesis is manifested by moderately severe weakness, necessitating assistive devices for ambulation and muscle atrophy. The Board has granted a 40% rating under DC 8520 (incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his pilonidal cyst scar and service connection for a heart murmur. The Veteran was previously assigned a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7803, but now has a separate 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7804 for the painful pilonidal cyst scar.

The Veteran's appeal for nonservice-connected pension was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the dorsal spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the mild to moderate symptoms reported.

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected post-operative residuals of a stab wound and mid-rectus surgical incision of the abdomen. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete notification and missing VA treatment records. The appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death will be reconsidered after these issues are addressed.

The Veteran's vasovagal syncope has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since February 1, 2006. The Board found that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of uterine condition due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The VA medical examiner found that chronic pelvic pain syndrome is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's left arm disability, rated as 20 percent prior to October 31, 2007 and now rated at 30 percent effective from that date, is found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation. The increased rating is granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for Crohn's disease. The Board has determined that additional development is required to properly adjudicate this claim, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for waiver of copayment charges was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right diaphragmatic hernia was a congenital defect that preexisted service and did not increase in severity during service.

The Veteran is granted treatment without copayment for weight loss management sessions and laboratory services. Treatment with copayments is required beginning May 19, 2007.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not eligible for educational assistance benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1607), also known as the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) due to a lack of qualifying service and determination by DoD.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation and failure to consider a VA medical opinion regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to assess this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoma in situ of the exocervix, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between her condition and active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current scrotum condition was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development due to inadequate examination and failure to provide opinions on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claimed lung disorder is not shown to be related to his military service, and the Board finds that he does not have a current disability due to an in-service injury.