Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's kidney disease, rated at 30 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating as it does not show constant albuminuria with some edema; or, a definite decrease in kidney function; or, hypertension that is at least 40 percent disabling under DC 7101.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding whether the legal basis for the award of service connection for hyper-reflexive bladder with bulbous urethra should be modified to presumptive service connection on the basis of exposure to radiation.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran had pre-existing prostatitis prior to entrance into his period of service, which was not permanently aggravated during service beyond its natural progression.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation prior to December 9, 2004 is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and further development.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination with a urologist to determine if the Veteran's epididymitis is related to an in-service groin injury. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination and clarification of opinions provided in prior remands. The Veteran's claim for service connection for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the left tonsillar fossa is being returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are necessary to determine the nature of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, its etiology, and whether it is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disorder is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for lumbar spine disability was also denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic gastrointestinal disorder since service and the current gastritis is not causally related to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that it did not manifest within one year of separation from active service and was not caused or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to asbestos.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined claim of entitlement to service connection for depression. The gastrointestinal disorder other than peptic ulcer disease with duodenal ulcer issue is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected right hip disorder and his claimed left hip disorder.

The Veteran's loss of sense of taste is currently rated as noncompensable due to partial loss, not complete loss. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for deep vein thrombosis of the right leg. The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to clarify etiology and remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a ganglion cyst and Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral venous insufficiency as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for an additional VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining clarification of the appellant's periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA in the Army Reserve, scheduling a VA examination, and determining whether any current residual disability stemming from the left trochanter fracture was aggravated or permanently worsened while performing ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA in the Army Reserve.

The Veteran's macular degeneration was not incurred in or aggravated by his service, including presumed exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. His joint disorder and arthritis claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing. The issue of increasing his 40 percent rating for prostatitis remains before the Board.