Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of whether the Veteran's oral lichen planus and oral cancer are related to his service-connected PTSD with depression, as well as whether they were aggravated by it.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition, and the appellant does not meet the income requirements for nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The Veteran is entitled to SMC by reason of being housebound due to multiple service-connected disabilities, but not for the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a recognized period of captivity as a Prisoner of War (POW) and thus, his claim for POW status is denied. The cause of death was found to be unrelated to service or service-connected conditions. The appellant does not meet the requirements for nonservice-connected death pension benefits. There is no legal entitlement to additional allowance based on aid and attendance or being housebound. Service connection for COPD and malaria are also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral varicose veins do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of persistent edema with or without stasis pigmentation or eczema.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip disabilities, specifically femoral acetabular (CAM) impingement, are at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected conditions. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's jaw disorder, characterized by jaw pain and teeth grinding, is found to have begun during service and is related to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine disorder, as the evidence did not show current disability related to service. The Veteran's statements were considered but no reliable post-service confirmation of any such disability was provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability, including loss of numerous teeth during active duty and subsequent treatment with full dentures, has been denied as the evidence does not support an allowance of service-connected compensation benefits. The criteria for nonservice-connected compensation benefits have also not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder. The claim will be readjudicated following completion of these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA ophthalmology examination and obtaining pertinent medical records. The issues of service connection for prostate cancer due to ionizing radiation and whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for arthritis of multiple joints will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion from the examiner who conducted the January 2010 VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again after this development is completed.

The appeal is being returned to the RO due to unclear satisfaction of the appellant's claim and for further review. The specific details regarding additional moneys he believes he may be entitled to need to be provided by the attorney.

The Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure and COPD, was not caused or contributed substantially to his death by any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's disability of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with associated voiding dysfunction, is currently rated at 40 percent and remains unchanged.

The Veteran's annual income from February 1, 2007 exceeds the maximum annual income for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits for a Veteran with no dependents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for popping of the ears has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is now entitled to a 30 percent rating for PTSD prior to October 19, 2006.,PTSD was increased from 30 percent to 50 percent effective October 19, 2006.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for spinal stenosis, arthritis of the neck, and bilateral leg disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected left testicular atrophy and hiatal hernia with esophagitis have been granted. He is also entitled to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. The rating for the hiatal hernia remains 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound is denied as he has no service-connected disabilities.