Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for residuals of lacerations to his right index and middle fingers were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by joint pain, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's residuals of cerebrovascular insufficiency have been rated at 30 percent since July 1965. The most recent VA examination found mild weakness in both upper and lower extremities, but no new or significant changes warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of meatotomy of the urethra, but assigned a noncompensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of new evidence to determine if it is sufficient to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left inguinal hernia and right hip arthritis.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right and left leg disabilities. The case must be remanded to attempt to obtain any additional records from the Veteran's National Guard service.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left knee disabilities have been granted at a 10% level.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral wrist disorders, including carpel tunnel syndrome.

The appellant is not the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes as she was married to her second husband at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma (claimed as liver cancer) will be evaluated in light of his service as a water supply specialist in Vietnam.

The Veteran's mood disorder is manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, anxiety, and a depressed mood. However, his impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of significant occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran has presented new and material evidence to reopen her claim for service connection for gynecological disorder, including pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. The Board finds that the submitted evidence raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for his spouse, finding that he did not provide VA with her social security number until November 25, 2008, which is the latest possible effective date based on VA regulations.

The Veteran died from cardiac tamponade due to pulmonary embolism, which was caused by deep vein thrombosis. The cause of the Veteran's death is being reviewed for possible service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PLS is a variant of ALS, which is presumed to be related to service due to its association with ALS. As such, the claim for service connection for PLS is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current gastrointestinal disorder, to include a gastric/bleeding ulcer and gastritis, that is related to his time in active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred as a result of treatment at a private medical facility beginning in February 2008 is denied. The Board found that prior authorization was not obtained, and the conditions did not meet the requirements for emergency care under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728.

The Board has granted service connection for a cardiac arrhythmia and denied service connection for a respiratory disability.

The Veteran's claim for an extension of his delimiting date is being remanded due to the need to associate VA treatment records and other relevant medical records with the claims file.