Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of whether referral under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1) for extra-schedular consideration is warranted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim for a sinus condition. The Veteran's service treatment records show he was seen for nose bleeds from unknown causes during his active service, but no diagnosis of sinusitis or allergy disorder was made. Post-service records indicate ongoing allergies and sinus issues. A VA examination in February 2011 concluded that the current sinus condition is not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and readjudication, including determining whether the Veteran's income after 2000 exceeded the maximum allowable limit for pension benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for prostatitis and granted service connection. The bladder disability claim is also granted.

The Veteran's overpayment of VA pension benefits was denied as the failure to report his spouse's income created the debt, and repayment would not result in unfair gain to him or deprivation of basic necessities.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his rash of the groin and forehead was denied. The initial rating prior to September 18, 2003, was not compensable, and a higher rating after that date was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional medical inquiry is needed into the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including dental disorder, eye disorder, stomach ulcers, allergies, and skin disorder. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and analysis.

The case is being remanded for the appellant to provide income and medical expense reports for 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. The benefit sought on appeal remains denied.

The September 1969 rating decision granted service connection for cystitis, effective from the date of separation (May 1, 1969), based on a finding that the Veteran's in-service injury resulted in chronic cystitis.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for left hip disability and service connection for a low back disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for traumatic arthritis of the left hip was granted at a 30 percent level effective October 1, 2006. The VA found that his range of motion did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran died of urosepsis, which was caused by an occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and a gangrenous small bowel. The cause of death is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a VA medical examination and address the etiology of his right hip disorder, including whether it is secondary to service-connected left knee or lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hammertoe bony deformities of the toes with associated calluses are attributable to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hand disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins, finding that there was no evidence linking the condition to his active duty service or any service-connected disability. The issue of an increased rating for a right ankle disability is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a prostate disability with impotence and polyps, both claimed to be related to herbicide exposure during his Vietnam service, are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for the cause of death and basic eligibility for accrued benefits, requiring additional development.

The appellant's mother was not entitled to death pension benefits due to her high net worth, which exceeded the reasonable amount that could be consumed for maintenance. As a result, accrued benefits are denied.

The Veteran's lymphomatoid granulomatosis is found to be related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange, during service. The claim for service connection is granted.