Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board found that the Veteran's current Eustachian tube dysfunction is attributable to service, and granted service connection for residuals of a left ear injury.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50% since June 17, 2010. The thoracic strain remains rated at 20%. A derivative claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's hyperlipidemia has not resulted in any disability or symptoms that would warrant a compensable rating. His erectile dysfunction, while potentially related to his hyperlipidemia, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, was not related to his active military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. Service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected endometriosis, status post hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy is rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board found that the schedular rating criteria reasonably describe her disability level and symptomatology resulting from this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities have been rated at 40 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 80 percent. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate as there is no evidence of persistent ulceration or other severe symptoms warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute and chronic alcoholism, not service-connected conditions.,Accrued benefits for PTSD were denied as the claim was filed more than one year after the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's death was caused by myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service-connected primary cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his epididymal cyst (claimed as testicular pain) is being remanded due to concerns about the severity of his disability and whether it is related to the epididymal cyst in his left testicle.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral early cataracts, finding that the evidence does not show significant impairment due to the cataracts and noting that the loss of central vision in the left eye is unrelated to the cataracts.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic stricture of the urethra requires the use of an appliance and the wearing of absorbent materials, warranting a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the claimant.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of outpatient medical and prescription co-payments from January 2007 through March 2008 was denied by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

The Veteran's mild hallux valgus of the left foot is not shown to be severe enough to warrant a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his elbow disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board found that the new evidence does not show an in-service left foot injury and therefore does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's chronic respiratory disorder and skin disorder are granted as incurred in service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, an evaluation in excess of 10 percent disabling for PTSD, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records, arranging for VA examinations, and considering the application of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).