Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board found that the termination of the Veteran's surviving spouse's death pension benefits was proper and denied the appeal.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to a lack of qualifying service as per VA standards.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as appeals do not survive their deaths.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability was granted a 100% evaluation effective March 17, 2000. The claim for increased initial disability ratings and TDIU were also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his service-connected shell fragment wound and arthritis of the hips. Specifically, a new VA examination is required to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected shell fragment wound, as well as whether his bilateral hip arthritis is related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to an issue with the calculation of the appellant's countable income, specifically regarding the deduction of unreimbursed medical expenses (Medicare Part B premiums) for the period from September [redacted], 2009 to January 31, 2011. The RO must provide a detailed explanation as to the method of calculation and the reason(s) for disallowance of these deductions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shin splints and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic bronchitis (also diagnosed as bronchospasm). The evidence did not establish a link between the current bilateral shin splints and active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for numbness of the left paranasal and upper labial area was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8205.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including post-left ACL repair and high tibia osteotomy with arthritis, has been evaluated at a non-compensable level (10%) since September 1, 2005. The appeal is denied as the current evaluation adequately compensates for his symptoms.

The Veteran's stomach disorder, including chronic constipation and rectal bleeding, is aggravated by the medications required for his service-connected mechanical low back pain. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg disorder, diagnosed as varicose veins with edema and venous insufficiency, was not incurred or aggravated in active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand disorder did not have its onset during service or is otherwise related to his service-connected right shoulder disability, nor was an organic disease of the nervous system manifested within one year of discharge from active service. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was less likely as not caused by or a result of his right shoulder dislocations.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to the current range of motion findings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostatitis is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected contracture of the right little finger was denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding evidence and clarification needed in prior VA medical opinions. The claims are related to service connection for PTSD, gastrointestinal disability, TDIU, increased rating for PTSD, and an earlier effective date for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected mitral regurgitation with murmur warrants a disability rating of 30 percent, effective from August 28, 2002.

The Veteran's right index finger strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from February 24, 2009. Prior to this date, the disability was not service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's claim to reopen his arteriosclerosis with claudication claim as it was granted in a December 2011 rating decision. The right eye disability claim remains, but the Board finds that there is no longer any issue regarding service connection for this condition due to the grant of service connection for arteriosclerosis with claudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right Achilles tendonitis and chronic polyps (colon polyps) have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.