Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for post-operative intervertebral disc disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a neurological examination and consideration of staged ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for pension benefits, finding that the evidence did not establish entitlement to such a date based on his income exceeding the limit or any other reason. The decision also noted that the March 2006 denial of pension benefits was final and could not be reopened.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of an inguinal hernia were not incurred in or aggravated by military service and that his residuals of syphilis did not manifest during active service.

The Veteran's residuals of a splenectomy are not shown to have been manifested by complications such as system infections with encapsulated bacteria, nor has it resulted in abnormal platelet counts. Therefore, the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's duodenal ulcer, which first manifested years after service separation, is not related to active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cataract extraction and intraocular lens replacement resulted in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy of the left eye, but this is considered a recognized potential outcome after uncomplicated cataract surgery. The VA doctor opined that while the Veteran's outcome was not favorable, it was due to his underlying diabetes mellitus and other factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ear disorder, nervous disorder, and neck disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's porphyria cutanea tarda does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating than 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral defective hearing has been denied by the Board.

The Veteran's heart condition, characterized by frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation and one episode of acute congestive heart failure, has been granted initial evaluations of 30% prior to November 14, 2006, and 60% as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized transportation expenses incurred on July 6, 2004 was denied by the VAMC. The denial is based on the conclusion that the special mode of travel (ambulance) was not medically required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a psychological disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cerebellar hematoma with associated left cerebellar hemisphere and arteriovenous malformation, claimed as brain aneurysm, due to an undiagnosed illness and exposure to depleted uranium is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendon disability was not shown in service, and arthritis was not demonstrated during the first post-service year. The current right Achilles tendon disability is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's seborrhea of the scalp was not present during active service and is denied as it cannot be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's heart and sternum damage is not considered to be a result of VA treatment, and thus compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's right eye keratitis and corneal opacity were initially rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on visual impairment or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right hand disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for her service-connected right forearm residual scarring is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, finding no evidence of such condition during or after his military service and concluding that it was not related to herbicide exposure.