Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran's avascular necrosis and arthritis of his hips are at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, specifically due to altered gait caused by chronic pain from his knees.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination of his service-connected pilonidal cyst, post-operative. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining any necessary medical opinions.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative before the Board could make a decision.

The appellant is not eligible for VA death benefits as she did not become permanently incapable of self-support before reaching the age of 18 years.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current respiratory disability to his service, including exposure to asbestos and chemicals. The Veteran's statements regarding causation are not considered competent medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of left maxilla/zygoma fracture have been rated at 10 percent since the disability was initially granted in February 1997. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating, as they are characterized as moderate pain and tenderness without severe displacement.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for post-surgical syndrome of the feet, bilaterally was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran died of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is not service-connected. The claim for cause of death and DEA eligibility was denied as the Veteran did not have any service-connected disabilities at the time of his death.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current skin disorder, specifically basal cell carcinoma, is not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any skin condition was present during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's residuals of adenocarcinoma of the prostate are currently evaluated at a 40 percent rating, and the Board finds that this is the highest schedular evaluation available. The evidence does not support an increase in disability rating.

The Board is remanding the claim to determine if a service-connected disability, specifically the Veteran's duodenal ulcer disease, caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death. The case will be reviewed with additional medical opinion from a VA physician.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral leg disability is not related to his in-service exposure to cold weather, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show moderate limitation of motion or ankylosis of any fingers, which are required for a compensable rating under DC 5309.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for diplopia, diagnosed as bilateral superior oblique palsy. The Veteran's history is compelling to show a nexus between his current condition and active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot and skin disorders are not related to her military service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disability with an onset during or immediately following service. The Veteran's STRs show various diagnoses in service but do not indicate any current conditions.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for her left hand ganglion cyst were granted, with the first evaluation of 10 percent effective August 1, 2005 and increased to 20 percent effective December 10, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and updated medical records, as his symptoms have worsened since his last examination in 2008.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and pharynx are presumed to be related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides. However, due to lack of sufficient competent medical evidence linking these cancers to Agent Orange exposure, a VA examination is needed to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's spouse is seeking an apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits for her prior to July [redacted], 2010. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional information and evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records from his latest period of active duty and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his bilateral astigmatism was aggravated by an in-service injury or disease.