Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cardiovascular problems/disability, as due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability, was granted. The claim for service connection for neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer with gastritis was granted, but the temporary total rating and reduction in disability rating were denied. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the left lower extremity are currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hand and foot conditions are not related to cold exposure during active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a skin condition or bilateral leg and foot disorder related to service. The Board also determined that any current bilateral leg and foot disorder is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent for the period from March 22, 2006 to November 7, 2007 and increased to 20 percent effective December 5, 2011.

The VA determined that there is no competent medical evidence establishing a link between the Veteran's service and his current lung disorder, diagnosed as restrictive airway disease.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current hearing disability in his left ear for VA purposes, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's joint aches, memory loss, and insomnia are not considered to be related to his service or due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of service in the Persian Gulf theatre of operations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's spinal stenosis with moderate degenerative arthropathy and assigned a noncompensable rating, effective May 3, 2005. The Veteran is not entitled to an initial compensable rating prior to October 1, 2009, but is entitled to a 10 percent rating from that date.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for diplopia as a residual of a head injury sustained during active duty. The appeal is currently remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim for service connection for muscle twitching and muscle spasms, including as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317. The Veteran served in Kuwait during his second period of active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to December 8, 2006 for a 30 percent evaluation and earlier service connection due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability within one year before the claim was received.

The Veteran's dystrophic fingernail, right index finger has been manifested by complaints of pain and sensitivity to cold temperatures. The disability does not result in disfigurement or other complications that would warrant a higher rating. Since March 28, 2006, when service connection became effective, the criteria for an initial 10 percent rating have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cancer of the right neck and tongues areas is presumed to have been incurred during his military service due to exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Veteran's skin lesions of the neck/scalp are found to be service-connected, and he is granted a 20 percent disability evaluation for BPH. The issues related to maxillary sinusitis, lumbar spine, heart condition, and right knee degenerative arthritis remain pending.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than February 23, 2009 for recognition of the Veteran's spouse as a dependent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for herpes is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent disability rating for his left lower extremity atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.,The Veteran is also entitled to a 20 percent disability rating for his right lower extremity atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma residuals, including a right axillary scar, do not warrant an initial compensable evaluation as there is no active disease or residual disability.