Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for uterine fibroids and a total hysterectomy, finding that there is no clear and convincing evidence of a direct relationship to service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability, including whether it is related to his service in Vietnam or Iraq.

The Veteran's private medical expenses for treatment on January 24, 2006 were not authorized by VA and did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant records from federal agencies and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from January 29, 2004, to February 3, 2004 was granted. The decision is based on the fact that the emergency treatment provided in a non-VA facility was necessary due to an urgent condition and delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis, which were previously rated as part of the same entity, are now recognized separately with a combined rating of 40 percent effective March 3, 2006. The Director of Compensation and Pension granted an additional 10 percent extraschedular rating for the bromhidrosis component.

The appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension is denied as he had no recognized active duty service during a period of war.

The Veteran's currently-shown bilateral Athlete's foot is related to service and the appeal for mental stress was withdrawn. Therefore, the claim for bilateral Athlete's foot is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for a herniated disc at L5-S1 was denied, with the current disability rated as 40 percent disabling. The issues regarding depressive disorder were also addressed and the Veteran's claim for TDIU was not granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating to 10 percent for postoperative right pneumothorax, effective from November 1, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected postphlebitic syndrome and whether he has any currently diagnosed left leg postphlebitic syndrome. The claim for service connection for the left leg postphlebitic syndrome will also be addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification on whether the appellant wants a videoconference hearing or Travel Board hearing at the RO before a VLJ. The claims file should be returned to the Board after the hearing is conducted, withdrawn, or if the appellant fails to report.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of his claim. He is also entitled to separate compensable ratings for numbness in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses for a non-service-connected dog bite injury is denied as the condition did not meet the criteria for emergency care.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient detail in the examination report, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if his gastrointestinal symptoms are related to his service-connected gastric resection.

The Veteran's service-connected seborrhea of the scalp and dyshidrosis of the hands are currently rated at 30 percent, which is considered 'protected' due to having been in effect for more than 20 years. The Veteran's mixed tension vascular headache disorder is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability, to include cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure, was not incurred during active service and is not related to any incident of such service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for growths such as cysts and lipomas. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature of these growths, their etiology, and whether they are related to service or exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that she was not married to the Veteran before or during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hip disability, including strain and/or fracture, began during service and continued after separation. The claim for service connection is granted.