Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 9, 2007 for the grant of a 10 percent evaluation for hammer toes of his left and right feet is denied as there is no basis upon which to grant such an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for panic disorder was granted, and she is currently receiving a 50 percent disability rating since March 1, 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral Achilles tendonitis and myositis of the calf were rated at 10 percent each, with no new evidence provided to warrant a higher rating. The acquired psychiatric disorder was found to be related to service.

The Veteran seeks compensation benefits for additional disability as a result of hernia repair surgery performed at a VA medical facility in August 2007. The case is being remanded to obtain further examination and treatment records, and to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to the 2007 surgery.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a bilateral eye injury was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim will be remanded for appropriate medical inquiry.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to bilateral lower extremities remains denied as there is no credible evidence supporting his contention that he sustained such injuries in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's schizoaffective disorder was incurred in service, as evidenced by his psychiatric hospitalization during basic training. The condition did not pre-exist service and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bronchitis (claimed as respiratory problems) is denied. The Board finds that there is no evidence of a chronic respiratory disorder during service or within the applicable presumptive period, and current respiratory disorders are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's skin disability and right ankle disability were found to not warrant evaluations in excess of the currently assigned ratings. The Board denied these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining updated clinical records from VA and private sources related to his left knee disability. The claim will be re-adjudicated after this development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, finding that his current eye conditions are not related to his period of military service.

The Veteran's claim for additional compensation benefits for his dependent child, S.S., based on school attendance from January [redacted], 2006, to July 1, 2007, is denied.

The Veteran does not have a pulmonary disability that is etiologically related to his active service. His episodes of pneumonia and bronchitis in active service were acute and transitory, and there is no evidence linking any current pulmonary disorder to his military service.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a left proximal tibia and fibula fracture was increased from 30% to 40% effective January 14, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for epididymitis is being remanded due to insufficient evidence under the specific criteria for this condition.

The Veteran seeks eligibility for specially adapted housing or a certificate of eligibility for a special home adaptation grant due to his service-connected conditions. The case is remanded as the VA has not completed necessary examinations and provided proper notice.

The Veteran does not currently have a heart disorder, and the Board finds that her original claim for service connection for heart palpitations (originally claimed as heart palpitations) has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of mercury poisoning is denied as there is no evidence linking his current symptoms to in-service exposure or service.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for recognition as the helpless child of the Veteran on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for stomach ulcers, claimed as due to acid poisoning. As a result, the claim is denied.