Other conditions decisions — 2012

The appellant withdrew his appeals for increased ratings of 20 percent for the residuals of a left elbow fracture and 30 percent for the residuals of a puncture wound to the right leg, effectively dismissing these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left hand, warts on hands, scaly skin pigmentation on whole body, and lesions on hands, forehead, and neck were not related to service or radiation exposure. The conditions are considered to be unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for her service-connected low back disability was denied. Her appeal for an increased rating to 40 percent, effective August 11, 2010, was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in July 2010 is being remanded to obtain additional information and readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals to his bilateral lower extremities contributed substantially and materially to his death. The effective dates for TDIU and service connection are granted.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor is it shown to be due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of his service in the Southwest Asia Theater during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg disorder and lung disability were not incurred or aggravated during his period of active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service, with the exception of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents in May 1966.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically related to asbestos and paint exposure in service.

The Board has determined that the character of the appellant's discharge from service is not a bar to VA compensation and pension benefits.

The Veteran's left thumb disability, including residuals of a fracture, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling due to significant limitation of motion and pain.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the Board found that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease were not likely connected to his death.

The Board found that arthritis of the feet was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a current chronic gastrointestinal disability, specifically chronic diarrhea, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right hip disorder due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between his current condition and his period of honorable service. The VA obtained additional private treatment records, but these did not change the examiner's conclusion that the Veteran does not currently have a right hip disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the specific underlying criminal offense that led to his probation and subsequent arrest warrant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic skin disorder, specifically balanitis and penile rash, was denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's cataracts are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated by his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's chronic allergic blepharo-conjunctivitis, chronic episcleritis, and premature cataract formation are at least as likely as not caused by herbicide exposure during service. Service connection is granted on a direct basis.

The Board found no evidence of head injury residuals or a sleep disorder related to service. The appellant's current conditions are not considered to be directly related to his military service.