Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that there is a need to obtain additional medical opinions and conduct further development before the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death can be decided.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was not related to any service-connected disability and denied both claims for service connection and reinstatement of DIC benefits.

The Board has directed that the Veteran's cardiovascular disorders, including sinus bradycardia, be evaluated and a determination made as to whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current groin disability is proximately due to his service-connected left ankle fracture, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for visual impairment as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion regarding the nature, etiology, and relationship of any visual disability to active service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for tropical sprue was denied. The maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7319 (irritable colon syndrome) is already assigned.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right hand disability was denied, and the earlier effective date claim for PTSD service connection was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating based on unfavorable ankylosis of three digits of one hand, and there is no indication that the appeal involves any service connection issues related to exposure to specific hazards.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive neurosis was rated at 30 percent prior to December 9, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic skin disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein. The evidence did not show a link between his active service and his current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between the veteran's current condition and her experiences in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to the nose was denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking any current condition to his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claim of secondary service connection for extraction of teeth due to the bilateral hip disorder will be remanded as requested.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the VAMC for the issuance of an SOC regarding a denial of reimbursement for unauthorized non-VA medical services incurred in connection with emergency treatment. The case will be returned to the Board only if the Veteran perfects his appeal.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his compensation claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to improper treatment or lack of proper diagnosis by VA Medical Center personnel.

The Veteran's traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left long (third) finger, status post partial amputation, is currently evaluated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA disability benefits in the amount of $7,708.20 due to fault on his part and lack of undue hardship.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen his previously denied service connection claims for residuals of a head injury and neck disorder. The VA will now review these claims in full, including obtaining additional medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding that his current lung condition was not incurred or aggravated in service and was due to tobacco use.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records, as well as a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.