Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's initial rating for nephrolithiasis has been granted at a 30 percent level, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal was based on recurrent stone formation requiring drug therapy.

The Veteran's appeal involves a claim for increased evaluation of his service-connected urethral stricture, including separate evaluations for testicular pain and nerve damage (pudendal nerve impingement). The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the current level of severity of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disability, hydradenitis suppurativa, did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service disease or injury. The VA examiner concluded that the current condition began 9 years after service and has no relationship to the conditions treated during service.

The Veteran's varicose vein disorder of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The case is being remanded for a thorough search of all records related to the decedent's medical expense report, and for consideration of the claim in light of any new evidence.

The Veteran's situational phobia (claustrophobia) was initially demonstrated in service and has continued since then, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's daughter, the appellant, was denied accrued benefits for stopped special monthly pension payments due to a lack of legal entitlement under VA regulations and laws.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for nonservice-connected and special monthly pension benefits due to a lack of active service during a period of war.

The VA has granted a 10 percent evaluation for urticaria, which is manifested by episodes of rash with swelling and itching occurring at least four times during the past 12 months. The appellant requires immunosuppressive drug treatment for a total duration of 6 weeks or more but not constantly during the past 12-month period.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking it to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board found that the $90 monthly benefit awarded to the Beneficiary remained due and unpaid, as VA had no record of authorization for depositing the funds to the nursing home account where the Beneficiary was residing. The Appellant is an eligible survivor for purposes of receiving such benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code, for a signal apprentice program with the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway prior to December 1, 2007, as there was no evidence of an application filed before this date.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits as none of the applicable criteria were met, including that the Veteran was not receiving VA compensation or pension at the time of his death and did not have an original or reopened claim pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's right club foot pre-existed his military service and was not aggravated by any in-service activities, injuries, or events. Therefore, service connection for a right club foot is denied.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant does not have standing to claim additional non-service-connected burial benefits. The maximum amount of burial and plot allowance for a non-service-connected death has been paid directly to the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claim for urticaria, claimed as a wool allergy, is granted. The Board found that the condition was incurred in active service and not preexisting.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right hip disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran died from metastatic carcinoid tumor, which was not service-connected.,The appellant's claim for non-service-connected death pension benefits is denied as the Veteran did not have active military service during a period of war.

The Board denied the appellant's application to reopen his claim for basic eligibility for VA benefits as he did not submit new and material evidence, despite previous claims of service in the Philippine Army.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the lowest available rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his condition. His headaches and PTSD are also not service-connected or supported by evidence indicating they are related to his military service.