Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic cataract of the left eye results in blindness in that eye, with only light perception. The right eye has a visual acuity of 20/100 and is not related to the left eye disability. Therefore, he does not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's inguinal hernia is currently rated as noncompensable, and his scar is rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a liver disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Veteran has not been shown to have any condition that is causally or etiologically related to his military service.

The Veteran's military service does not meet threshold eligibility requirements for VA pension benefits and TDIU due to the absence of a service-connected disability. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after another attempt at scheduling the hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulitis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis to military service.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities such as a right hand disability or sleep disorder, and thus denied the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran has bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service and this claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's lung disorder is not related to his service-connected shrapnel wound to the left anterior chest wall, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's uterine fibroids and subsequent hysterectomy were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she did not meet the requirements of VA regulations regarding marital status and legal validity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lung cancer and pleural effusion substantially or materially contributed to his death, thus granting service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals are found to be the cause of his death. The appellant is granted burial benefits and an automobile allowance for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The VA denied the Veteran's request for reimbursement of an unauthorized emergency room visit on February 5, 2008.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's current eye disorder(s) and determine if any are related to his military service.

The Veteran's dysthymia was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from November 23, 1998 to April 15, 2004. The initial rating assigned is 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a social and industrial survey.