Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as claims do not survive their deaths.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip disorder is due to and aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, granting him service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right epididymitis disability is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has ordered a supplemental statement from the VA physician to determine if any service-connected disabilities hastened or caused the Veteran's death due to brain cancer. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's fracture, radial head, left elbow has been manifested by complaints of pain and weakness, but no functional impairment. The current 10 percent disability evaluation is maintained.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran, based on her common-law marriage and the presence of five children born during their relationship.

The Board found no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's current right inguinal hernia is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hip disorder and therefore, service connection for left or right hip disorders is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tremors and spasms is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining information about his exposure during training and post-service work as a police officer.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right long and ring finger disability was denied as the evidence did not show ankylosis or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to clarify the relationship between his service-connected foot disability and other symptoms. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected sacroilitis is currently rated at 40 percent disabling effective March 9, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to this date.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin condition was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service and denied his claim.

The VA determined that the appellant's blurred vision is not related to his service and is due to a known clinical diagnosis (myopia with astigmatism and presbyopia).

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastric disability and benign prostatic hypertrophy are granted, with the latter being controlled by Prazosin.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that there is an approximate balance of evidence in favor of this determination.

The Veteran's onychomycotic toenails of the bilateral feet secondary to cold weather injury are rated at 20 percent since September 2003, effective from November 13, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a collapsed lung, night sweats, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of chronic lung disorders in service or post-service to support these claims.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's prostate disability and urinary problems with his service, including exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both feet was granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of his application, which predates the denial in October 1998.