Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include adjustment disorder with depressed mood, was rated at 10 percent prior to February 10, 2011 and increased to 50 percent effective from February 10, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran does not have a current pulmonary disorder or disability attributable to service-connected right pleurisy.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder and a compensable evaluation for his service-connected right pleurisy.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of his 2002 hernia repair. The Board will consider whether service connection can be granted based on aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of ingrown toenail removal, diagnosed as onychocryptosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an addendum VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neurologic disability of the left lower extremity was aggravated by his service-connected varicose veins, and thus finds that he is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Board found no evidence of arthritis during service or within the first post-service year, and concluded that currently diagnosed arthritis is not causally related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for arthritis was denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left eye disability, including macular degeneration with decreased vision and positive Amsler grid test, is related to his in-service head injury. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip condition, finding that the current disability is related to an in-service injury. The Veteran's other issues regarding knee, ankle/foot conditions and hypertension are not addressed.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder has been rated at 50 percent, but the appeal continues as she seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his postgastrectomy syndrome with hiatal hernia was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for basal cell carcinoma of the nose, cheeks, forearm, left ear, left canthus, forehead, and left lower eyelid is dismissed as his claim has already been granted in a May 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the lymph nodes is denied as there is no competent evidence of a current disability or link to active service.

The Veteran's paresthesias of the upper extremities are related to his active service and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for PCT with hemachromatosis and history of anemia was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for corrective VCAA notice and to determine whether the appellant's claim to reopen may be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left eye disorder.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic colon cancer, which may have been related to asbestos exposure. The Board has decided the case requires further development regarding the appellant's allegations of ionizing radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's varicose veins disability has been manifested by persistent edema of the right lower extremity without persistent ulceration. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right varicose vein disability related to his military service and therefore denied service connection for this condition.,For the residuals of status-post left saphenous vein stripping, the evidence did not show any symptoms or findings consistent with a compensable evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of whether his service in the Merchant Marines qualifies for disability benefits purposes. As a result, the Board has dismissed this claim.

The Veteran's claim for increased special monthly compensation based on the need for special aid and attendance at a higher level of care was denied in November 2007. However, he did not receive notification of this decision. The RO reopened his claim due to new evidence received after October 9, 2009, and granted it effective from October 18, 2007.