Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his status-post operative fracture of the mandible is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed right elbow disability is related to his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities, which caused or aggravated his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a separate initial compensable rating for fatigue has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for narcolepsy with cataplexy and her TDIU claim are both remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of her narcolepsy, as well as the impact of her disabilities on her employability.

The Veteran's complaints of gastrointestinal symptoms were not shown to be related to service and the Board found no chronic gastrointestinal disorder in service. The Veteran's current diarrhea is associated with his psychiatric disability, specifically stress.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for obtaining all private and VA medical records, scheduling a VA dental examination, and readjudicating the issue in light of all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme, which was diagnosed during his service in Vietnam and presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure, is service-connected. The cause of death, congestive heart failure, also had its onset during service and is considered presumptively related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a personal hearing to present evidence and arguments in support of his claim for reimbursement of unauthorized pharmacy medications obtained from non-VA pharmacies during the specified period.

The Veteran's impotence is rated at a 20 percent evaluation, effective May 30, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Eye Physicians P.C. in Albion, Nebraska on September 4, 2008, September 11, 2008, and September 15, 2008 was denied as the criteria for payment under Section 1725 were not met due to the Veteran's coverage under a health-plan contract.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, which may be related to his exposure to radiation during service as a dental technician. As such, the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye diplopia was incurred in service, but his right eye esotropia is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected onychomycosis, bilateral toenail fungus is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of other issues.

The Board denied the appellant's petition to reopen her claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits because no new and material evidence was submitted, and since the Veteran did not serve during a wartime period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinomas (other than the right posterior neck) were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion to clarify whether the Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative changes are caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The case is now returned to the RO for readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory infection disability separate from his service-connected rhinitis and possibly sinusitis, nor does he have a fatigue disability separate from his service-connected PTSD. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture with factors such as marked interference with employment, and frequent periods of hospitalization. As a result, an extraschedular rating is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current allergies are not related to her service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and development needs, including obtaining an April 2010 VA examination from Salisbury VA Medical Center.