Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for spontaneous pneumothorax resulting from VA prescription of Valium in 1977, finding that there was no evidence to support a causal link between the treatment and his current condition.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsillar fossa is found to be related to his in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange. The Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disorder and left heel disorder were denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, to include arthritis, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his exposure to herbicides during service in the Korean DMZ, leading to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), which is a recognized disease associated with such exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's bladder disorder and calculi were not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and the Board found that his current bladder outlet obstruction is due to age-related BPH. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant SSA and Black Lung Program records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cholesteatoma of the left ear, to include as secondary to his service-connected left ear hearing loss, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and need for further medical opinion.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's psychosis, not otherwise specified, which constitutes a complete grant of the benefits sought with respect to that claim. As such, the appeal for entitlement to TDIU is moot.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claim that his left heel ulcers were caused by VA care, and thus denied service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran seeks service connection for acute myelogenous leukemia, which he claims is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. The case has been remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for further development.

The Veteran's scar residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right arm region are manifested by multiple scars, some deep with underlying tissue damage. The Board grants a 10 percent rating for these scars.

The Veteran's BPH was rated as 40 percent prior to October 10, 2011 and remains at that rating on and after October 10, 2011. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including a VA dental examination.

The Board found that the appellant did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the May 2006 rating decision regarding his claim for service connection for multiple myeloma and bumps under the skin. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and compensable ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the discontinuance of the Veteran's VA pension benefits from April 15, 2003 to October 12, 2007 was improper and has ordered their restoration.

The Veteran's diverticulitis is characterized by pain and occasional episodes of constipation or diarrhea, which most nearly approximates the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7301. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the assignment of a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected pleural plaques are characterized by DLCO (SB) results of 60 percent predicted in October 2008 and 64 percent predicted in April 2010. The Board finds that an evaluation of 30 percent is warranted for the Veteran's service-connected pleural plaques.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral foot onychomycosis as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal.