Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for varicose veins of the right leg was denied as there is no evidence showing persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for pharyngitis was denied as there is no evidence showing inflammation of cords or mucous membranes.

The Veteran died of Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia. The Board found that neither condition was related to service, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's left lower extremity disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but no more, due to the aggravation of his pre-existing condition by VA medical treatment.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed partial blindness of the left eye is not related to his military service, including any in-service injury or surgery.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected back disability was denied. The termination of additional compensation benefits for his dependent child, S.R., and the waiver of recovery of compensation indebtedness were also denied.

The Board found that peptic ulcer disease was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran served in Vietnam during his period of active duty, and to verify any exposure to herbicide agents. The appellant's claim for service connection for cause of death will be reconsidered based on this additional development.

The Board granted service connection for a cerebrovascular disorder, to include a cerebrovascular accident with encephalomacia and left hemiparesis due to a left aneurysm. The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from July 22, 2010.

The Veteran does not currently suffer from a recurrent inguinal hernia or any residuals related to his service-connected herniorrhaphy, and therefore is not entitled to an initial compensable disability evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cardiopulmonary abnormality, claimed as an irregular heart rhythm, was denied because she has not been diagnosed with any actual disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, probable acute myocardial infarction due to arteriosclerosis, was not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, as well as an effective date prior to April 4, 2006 for the grant of special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right hand and foot. The Veteran was not granted these benefits.

The Board has decided that additional development is necessary before deciding the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral leg disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing, and the appellant is not entitled to death benefits based on permanent incapacity prior to age 18.

The Veteran's service-connected focal colitis is currently rated at 0 percent (noncompensable), and the Board has determined that a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent, but no greater, is warranted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the appellant's claims of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to service-connected burial benefits. This includes providing corrective VCAA notice, searching for VA treatment records related to a 1966 appendectomy surgery, and obtaining an opinion from a health care provider regarding the etiology of the Veteran's rectal cancer.

The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the left hip with secondary fracture is currently rated at 30 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, finding no evidence of a positive association between his condition and herbicide exposure or excessive sunlight. The claim was not granted on a presumptive basis due to lack of evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal within one year of the September 2005 rating decision.