Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is service-connected. The appellant meets the criteria to be considered the surviving spouse of the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a pulmonary disability that was found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his T12, L1, and L2 compression fracture residuals with traumatic arthritis and L5-S1 tenderness was denied. The current rating of 50% is considered adequate as it reflects the severity of the disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear reasons and bases in its previous decision, as well as new medical evidence relevant to the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for urinary tract problems is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a hearing closer to his residence.

The Veteran's cause of death is being considered, but the appeal has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's dental problems are not due to trauma in service and he was not a prisoner of war. The Board finds no basis for entitlement to service connection for residuals of dental condition for compensation purposes.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin condition has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for disease of the colon has been withdrawn prior to a decision by the Board.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a new VA examination to address the severity of his service-connected compression fracture T12.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of an excision of a conjunctival retention cyst of the left eye do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there are no active symptoms or identifiable residuals to include a scar.

The Board has granted service connection for varicose veins of the lower extremities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during her active military service and have persisted since.

The Board found that the Veteran was not a fugitive felon and therefore, the overpayment of $59,588.00 was not validly created due to VA administrative error.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the adjudication of the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The claims file needs to be updated with information regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous chemicals during his service, particularly in Thailand and Okinawa.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left leg disability.

The Veteran's residuals of a fractured mandible have been manifested by occasional tenderness, intermittent biting of the tongue and cheek, and a faint pop of the left temporomandibular joint. The current disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current deviated septum to his in-service injury, and denied service connection.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Auburn Memorial Hospital on February 7, 2007 was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected ventral hernia was denied as the evidence did not show that he had a large, postoperative ventral hernia that is not well supported by a belt under ordinary circumstances. The Veteran also has separate noncompensable scars associated with the hernia and these are separately rated.