Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no clear and unmistakable evidence that his respiratory, skin, or herpes zoster conditions pre-existed service. The Board found the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to active duty service or exposure to herbicides or environmental hazards in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including addressing whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for residuals of a fracture of T-11 secondary to non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The TDIU claim is also being addressed in light of this matter.

The Veteran's residuals of a left orbital fracture are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that this rating is not in accordance with the evidence presented.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic stomach disorder and chronic respiratory disorder, finding that these conditions were not proximately due to or aggravated by her service-connected right Achilles tendon injury.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee DJD with patellofemoral pain syndrome are currently rated at 10 percent each. The claim for a higher rating for right knee DJD with patellofemoral pain syndrome has been granted, but the claims for increased ratings remain denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee DJD with patellofemoral pain syndrome are currently rated at 10 percent each. The separate compensable rating for slight instability of both knees is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to issue a supplemental statement of the case, including on issues related to DIC benefits and accrued benefits. The appeal is also remanded due to incomplete claims file.

The Board found no evidence of a current heart condition or underlying disability that manifests as chest pain, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cold weather residuals affecting the bilateral feet and/or legs are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a disability during or within one year after service, and any current conditions are less likely related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's venous insufficiency existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a VLJ at the Portland RO.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left hip arthritis is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability. The claim will be reconsidered after this examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed residuals of a cold weather injury to both feet and hands during his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right wrist condition, postoperative fracture of the distal ulna with traumatic arthritis, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in loss of bone substance or deformity that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right eye keratitis sicca, but denied service connection for any right eye refractive error that is not a manifestation of the keratitis.

The Veteran's claim for entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and any VA Medical Center.

The appellant withdrew her appeals for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and accrued benefits at a hearing. Her DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability, characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and limitations of ability to stand and walk, is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck disability is related to service, specifically an in-service whiplash injury. The Veteran must also provide new authorizations for VA to obtain private medical records.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, effective November 14, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, adenocarcinoma of the abdomen with congestive heart failure, was not caused or substantially contributed to by a service-connected disability.