Other conditions decisions — 2010

The VA has determined that the Veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the right lower extremity do not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating than 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pleural abnormality, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of asbestosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for nonservice-connected pension benefits and apportionment of such benefits due to his incarceration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tumor disorder likely had its onset in-service and grants service connection for the residuals of a right cerebellar pilocytic astrocytoma, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's OCD is aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the DIC benefits at the full dollar rate effective April 1, 2006. The appellant's claim for earlier effective date was denied as she did not meet all eligibility criteria prior to her submission of a formal claim on April 11, 2007.

The Veteran's delusional disorder was rated at 50% effective from August 6, 2002. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disorder, including a gum condition and loss of teeth. The decision found that there is no basis under the law for the award of service-connected VA disability compensation for the Veteran's current dental condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left radial head fracture and neuralgia of the left upper extremity were granted, with separate initial noncompensable evaluations assigned. The Veteran is now receiving a compensable evaluation for her service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and for a liver disorder for accrued benefits. The Board found that the disease process leading to the Veteran's death was not attributable to his military service or to any service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's indebtedness to VA for overpayment of Chapter 30 educational assistance benefits was valid. However, it denied his request for waiver of recovery due to fault on both the Veteran's and VA's part in creating the overpayment, as well as lack of evidence showing undue hardship or unjust enrichment.

The Board found that the Veteran's HSV in his mouth is not related to service and denied the claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's medical services at Riverside Methodist Hospital were not authorized by VA and thus denied his claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right inguinal hernia due to additional development of his claim, including obtaining records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's skin disorder affecting the crotch and groin areas is granted an effective date of December 12, 2002 for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's right Achilles tendon strain will be evaluated based on its current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's CHF is proximately due to his service-connected hypertension, and thus grants service connection for CHF as secondary to hypertension.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for malignant fibrous histiocytoma and its residuals, finding that the veteran's condition was in remission since his surgery in 1986 and he does not currently have any residual disability.

The Veteran's service-connected erythromelalagia is manifested by characteristic attacks that occur more than once a day, last an average of more than two hours each, and respond poorly to treatment. This meets the criteria for a disability rating of 60 percent.