Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of exposure to radiation, including arthritis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined issue of whether the appellant is the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA purposes. The appeal will be addressed after this determination.

The Board has determined that new evidence supports reopening the claim for service connection for residuals of a left index finger fracture or injury. The Veteran's current left hand arthritis is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye disorder is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's arachnoiditis, claimed as chronic low back pain due to spinal anesthesia, is characterized by pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with persistent symptoms and little intermittent relief. The Board grants the Veteran a 60 percent initial rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury, which was previously denied in August 2005. The appellant's claim is considered 'mixed' as it involves both granted and ungranted issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right inguinal hernia is not related to his penile prosthesis surgeries and thus does not warrant compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and personnel information. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured maxilla (claimed as a dental condition) has been denied by the Board, as there is no evidence of moderate displacement or other impairment warranting a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected spinal disc disability requires the use of an orthopedic appliance (back brace) that tends to wear or tear his clothing, and he is entitled to a clothing allowance for 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for an appropriate hearing due to a change in the Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's service connection claim for plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during or related to his military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current heart disability was not incurred or aggravated during his period of military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including skull fracture, has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's Hodgkin's disease is likely related to his active service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for dental decay as secondary to a service-connected duodenal ulcer, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Veteran's memory loss, considered as an undiagnosed illness, has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an appropriate VA examination to determine whether the Veteran suffers from a sleep disorder and its relationship to his service-connected PTSD and Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's death from bronchogenic cancer was not caused by VA negligence or carelessness, and thus denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that additional action is required due to a contested claim regarding the paternity of J.A. and will provide notice on how J.A. might prove her relationship to the Veteran.