Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board denied the claim of service connection for residuals of a low back injury, finding that the character of discharge from military service did not constitute a bar to VA benefits.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran has muscle damage from his surgeries and a gastrointestinal disorder related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from February 8, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of slight impairment due to patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5271. The Board has granted service connection for secondary right hip, knee, and low back disabilities due to the service-connected Achilles tendonitis.

The Board finds that the reduction of VA compensation benefits based on removal of the Veteran's wife as a dependent was proper, effective September 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder. However, the Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his current condition is not causally related to his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a fractured coccyx and reopening of his pilonidal cyst claim, finding no evidence linking any condition to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a GI condition due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was provided with an opportunity to submit new evidence, and his lay statements are presumed credible in this context. A VA examination is needed to determine if his claimed conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his kidney disorder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran was treated for a bleeding spot on her left arm and the issue is whether she should be compensated under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 or granted service connection for vascular disability, cancer, or undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left hip disorder, which he claims is related to his military service and specifically to an injury sustained in June 2004. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully evaluate the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a chronic orthopedic disability of the left hip is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and opinion.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for weakened immune system and eye disability (chronic allergic conjunctivitis). The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination, is necessary before the claims can be decided.

The Veteran's unilateral hallux valgus was rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The claim for service connection of a ganglion cyst on her left wrist was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and review of the claims file under certain regulations. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's current respiratory system.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of her case.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current lower extremity conditions to service, including any reported cold injuries. The medical opinions provided by VA and a VHA expert concluded that the amputations were due to diabetes mellitus rather than cold exposure in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for initial compensable ratings for bilateral Thygeson's superficial punctuate keratitis with early nuclear sclerotic cataract and tension headaches.