Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran seeks service connection for inclusion body myositis, which he claims is secondary to a post-surgical infection associated with surgery for his service-connected left elbow disability. The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for medical records and an opinion regarding whether the current diagnosis of inclusion body myositis is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the post-surgical infection.

The Veteran's current bilateral calf pain is causally related to an injury he suffered in service, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a current right ear disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear otitis media and externa. The left ear issue is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran is found not competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds due to his schizoaffective disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to various procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical services provided by Halifax Hospital from March 4, 2008 to March 9, 2008 is granted under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act.

The Veteran's death in March 2008 prevented the VA from providing VCAA notice prior to adjudicating her accrued benefits claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The Board has determined that a harmful error occurred due to this failure, and thus remands the case for proper VCAA notification.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to undeliverable notices and missed examinations.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's skin disorder and whether it is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board granted a compensable rating (30 percent) for the Veteran's PFB effective from May 20, 2008. The Veteran continues to appeal for an even higher rating.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for venous insufficiency was denied because the new evidence submitted did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim, specifically a nexus between the current disability and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected thrombophlebitis and varicose veins resulted in a 60 percent rating from August 4, 1996 to July 1, 1997. After that date, the Veteran died before any higher rating could be assigned. The appellant is not eligible for dependents' educational assistance.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn. There is no longer any allegation of error concerning the claim for a compensable evaluation for constipation, including entitlement to TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's cognitive disorder, right sided numbness, and blurred vision are not related to her military service or a service-connected condition. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected trigonitis/epididymitis is currently productive of testicular pain, but no evidence of trigonitis or recurrent symptomatic infection requiring drainage and/or frequent hospitalization. Therefore, the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiovascular disorder, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year post-service. The Board also found that any current cardiovascular disorder is not associated with his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA dental examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disorder is being considered based on the merits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits as there was no official or specific evidence of wartime service.

The Board has granted service connection for arthralgias of multiple joints, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability and have been controlled by continuous medication.