Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left eye disability, manifested by floaters and photopsias with corrected visual acuity of at worst 20/25, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed hip disabilities, as they may be related to his service-connected right knee and ankle conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding his right eye disability claim due to withdrawal. The claims for left and right foot ingrown toenails were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5284.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to April 11, 2007, for a 20% rating for his left foot disability was not warranted as there was no factually ascertainable increase in severity of his condition during the period from April 11, 2006 through April 10, 2007.

The Board dismissed the appeal for reopening the previously denied claims for service connection for inadequate personality with insomnia. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision below and are REMANDED to the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected right eye pterygium does not manifest with any visual impairment, disfigurement, conjunctivitis, or other symptoms. Therefore, the claim for a compensable disability rating is denied.

The Veteran's sleep disorder was first diagnosed during active duty service and has persisted since then. The Board grants service connection for a sleep disorder.

The Veteran sustained dental trauma to teeth numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 22 and 23 during service when hit in the mouth with a radio handset. The Board grants service connection for these conditions for purposes of VA outpatient dental treatment.

The Veteran's mitral valve prolapse is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current level of severity and any functional impairment due to her symptoms, including heart 'vibrations'. The AOJ should also obtain relevant medical records from non-VA sources.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is no longer valid.

The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for his service-connected dysthymia, but the RO has granted a 50% rating effective September 27, 2006. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a scrotum disorder is granted, as the evidence supports an in-service injury and current disability. Service connection is also granted for varicocele of the left testicle.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right atrial enlargement and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's permanent and total disability rating was granted after the appellant reached her 26th birthday, making her ineligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38.

The Veteran was granted reimbursement for the cost of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 13, 2007, for services rendered by East Millinocket Ambulance.

The Board granted service connection for gout as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus and renal failure, and assigned a 20 percent initial disability rating.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disorder during service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, including Osgood Schlatter's Disease and arthritis, is being remanded for further development to determine if it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for defective vision has been dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection for cortical cataracts, which affects vision.