Other conditions decisions — 2010

The VA determined that the Veteran's skin disability (sycosis vulgaris) did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation as less than 5% of his entire body was affected by the condition and no treatment was required during the appeal period.

The Veteran's residuals of basal cell carcinoma were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits based on service connection for cause of death due to her husband's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as he did not have continuous active service for 90 days or more.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laceration to the pulp of his right middle finger were found to be superficial, not tender or painful, and did not cause any limitation of motion or function. As a result, he was not entitled to an increased rating.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current dental disorder and denied his claims for service connection for a dental disorder, as well as for VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metatarsal are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an increase in rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of an old healed left 5th metacarpal fracture was denied as he did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA podiatry examination to determine whether the Veteran's left foot hallux limitus is related to service, his service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis or bilateral ankle disorders, or otherwise. The examiner should provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's claimed hallux limitus and its relationship to service.

The VA Medical Center denied payment for unauthorized private medical expenses incurred by the appellant at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas from March 26 to April 3, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's fatal aspiration pneumonia was not due to a service-connected disability, and concluded that no service-connected condition contributed to his death.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with an opportunity for a VA examination. The goal is to determine if the current skin condition is related to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 22, 2001 for the grant of service connection for right thigh myositis ossificans and for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's original vocational rehabilitation program goal was to obtain and maintain entry-level employment as a pastor or related profession. The Veteran has already achieved this goal, but the Board finds that additional vocational training benefits are not warranted because he is currently employed in his chosen field.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity shin splints and left heel fracture are found to be related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination of his service-connected left hip disability.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his left eye disability, helplessness, and visual impairment.

The Board finds that the appellant is not eligible to receive any death pension benefits due at the time of her father's death because she does not meet the legal definition of a 'child' for VA purposes. The claim of entitlement to accrued benefits also lacks legal merit as there were no due, but unpaid, benefits at the time of her father's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete private treatment records from Dr. C.S., and the appellant's representative is given a chance to respond with additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal cancer and DIC benefits, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for myelodysplasia, including as due to exposure to herbicides and radiation, is being remanded for additional development.