Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, finding that it is at least as likely as not that the condition began during active military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for phlebitis and varicose veins, finding that there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to support a claim of secondary service connection due to arteriosclerotic heart disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's esophageal cancer was not caused by his military service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, consider the theory of entitlement related to herbicide exposure, and provide an opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for elective right femoral shaft shortening and histiocytic lymphoma were previously denied. New evidence received since the prior denials does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate either claim, is cumulative and redundant of the evidence at the time of the last final denial, and does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating either claim.

The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of lupus, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right hip arthritis was rated at 30 percent prior to December 5, 2005.,Since February 1, 2007, the Veteran has been rated with a 50 percent disability rating for his total right hip replacement.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a total disability rating for compensation on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities. However, further clarification is needed regarding whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's spondylolisthesis was initially granted service connection and rated at 10 percent effective February 20, 2008. The Board found that a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted prior to May 3, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The issues of service connection for PTSD and the reduction in evaluation for left ankle fracture and dislocation with DJD are no longer before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal for aid and attendance allowance for his spouse has been withdrawn. The issue of reopening the claim for service connection for a back injury is remanded due to new evidence submitted since May 2008.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Johnson City Medical Center between December 25, 2006 and December 27, 2006 was denied because VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Veteran's claim for a 100% disability rating for progressive ankylosing spondylitis was granted effective January 3, 2000. The previous decisions denying service connection were not found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Veteran's dystonia and degenerative disease claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a genitourinary disorder and skin disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dental bridge procedure was not a result of trauma in service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for dental disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's service personnel record is also relevant.

The appellant is entitled to reinstatement of her DIC benefits as the remarried widow of a Veteran, despite filing for reinstatement outside the one-year period due to her age and prior entitlement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of shrapnel wound to the left skull, finding that no informal or formal claim was filed prior to November 5, 2008.