Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of cold injury to the hands has been granted. The Board found that his current symptoms are related to exposure to extreme cold in service, leading to residual cold injury. Service connection is also granted for arthritis of the neck as secondary to the service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected idiopathic hypertrophic subvalvular aortic stenosis, status post myocardial infarction, warrants a 60 percent evaluation since June 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disorder.

The Board found no current skin or hair disability and concluded that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred in service. The VA examiner determined there was no evidence of chronicity for either condition.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disability other than alcohol abuse, and concluded that the Veteran's alcohol abuse is secondary to his military service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his desire for a video conference hearing. The medical services claim remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for myofascial pain syndrome of the left upper extremity, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hips and inflammatory arthritis, finding that there was no competent or credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's torn left ACL and bilateral PFPS are related to her service-connected bipolar disorder, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of fracture to the left fibula is being remanded due to incomplete development, including obtaining SSA records and considering a TDIU.

The Board has not determined whether the Veteran's alcoholism is service-connected, but has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The evidence does not establish a clear connection between the Veteran's alcoholism and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of whether the appellant desires a Travel Board hearing or a videoconference hearing, and to schedule an appropriate hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and re-adjudicate the case.

The Veteran contends that his thoracic spine injury, which he claims predated service, was aggravated by service. The Board finds the VA examination inadequate and remands for a new examination to determine if the condition was aggravated during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disability is being remanded due to the need for additional records and examination.

The Board is requesting additional development to determine if the Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the esophagus was related to his active duty service and presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran died during service and the appellant is his child. The appeal is denied as she does not meet the eligibility criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disorder, which he claims is related to asbestos exposure during service. The VA examiner found no evidence of asbestos-related disease and opined that the current COPD is more likely due to his smoking history.

The Veteran's income exceeds the maximum annual limitation for the benefit of nonservice-connected pension with special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status, and his claim is denied.