Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the service-connected varicose veins of the right lower extremity, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right leg, status post vein ligation, are currently rated at 40 percent disabling.,Prior to March 25, 2010, the Veteran's varicose veins of the left leg were rated at 10 percent. From March 25, 2010, they warrant a rating of 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran likely suffered from cold injuries to his feet during service, and these residuals are related to his period of service. As a result, the Veteran's claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left foot tendon rupture with acquired flat foot, status-post surgical repair, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling from May 25, 2010. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran's service-connected bursitis of the right knee is rated at 10 percent, effective November 19, 2005. Service connection for residuals of a right hip flexor strain has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current residuals of a head injury related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder was not shown to have manifested within one year of his separation from service or be etiologically related to a disease, injury, or event in service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board found the January 2009 independent dosage assessment more probative than the September 2009 private assessment.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of chronic inguinal neuralgia is not considered to be caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The Board finds that the event was not reasonably foreseeable.

The Veteran's tremors of the hands are found to be secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a maxillary/mandibular disability and PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of a chronic maxillary or mandibular disability. The claim for TDIU is remanded due to its dependency on the outcome of the service connection decision.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound to the right popliteal region and tender scar of the right knee are not rated higher than 10 percent. The Board found no evidence supporting a higher rating for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his arteriosclerosis obliterans of the right and left legs. The case is being remanded to allow for clarification of the VA examiner's opinions regarding the Veteran's current sensory and motor capacities, as well as whether he experiences claudication on walking.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected sacroiliitis, but the most recent VA examination was insufficient and the case is remanded to afford another examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new medical opinion by a dermatology specialist to assess whether the Veteran's hidradenitis is related to service and any exposure to herbicides. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected colon cancer, which he developed due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. As a result, service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's polycythemia vera was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to his presumed herbicide exposure. As such, service connection for polycythemia vera cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of medical records and an opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected condition and any new diagnoses.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain SSA records and medical records related to those records. The claim will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic conjunctivitis and bilateral recurrent pterygium, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable schedular criteria.