Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and issuing a statement of the case.

The Veteran seeks service connection for keratoconus, a condition that developed after his military service. The Board finds the VA examination report inadequate and remands the case to obtain an updated opinion from a VA ophthalmologist regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's keratoconus.

The Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability has been manifested by pain and limitation of motion, but not ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The Board finds that the current rating of 10 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder was granted a 30 percent rating, effective February 24, 2009. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the reduction of his service-connected carcinoma of the urinary bladder disability rating from 100% to 60%. The Board dismissed this issue as a result.

The Veteran seeks reimbursement for unauthorized dental expenses incurred at a non-VA facility. The VA has not obtained all of the necessary treatment records from VA facilities in Bakersfield and Sepulveda, which may impact the determination of whether pre-authorization was provided by VA.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that the Veteran's cancer was not related to his active duty service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current heart disorders, including aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular hypertrophy, are proximately related to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip disability, which included a fracture of the femoral neck and avascular necrosis, was rated at 60% prior to her surgery. After undergoing total hip replacement in April 2002, she is now entitled to an 80% rating for the period from January 1, 2001 to February 24, 2002.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's low back condition is not considered to have been incurred during active duty or related to any in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, diagnosed as chondromalacia of the patella, was incurred in active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip strain was denied in August 1993 due to lack of a relationship between the condition and his period of active duty. The Board has now remanded the case for further action, including reconsideration based on new evidence received after the original decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's pineal cyst and providing an opinion on whether her service-connected disabilities prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wounds have been rated as noncompensable. The RO has granted service connection for scars on the left temple, left shoulder, left elbow, left wrist, and right upper extremity.

The Veteran's nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) had its onset during military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a comprehensive VA examination to determine the current severity of all symptoms of his right thigh disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Crohn's disease arose during active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is not etiologically related to service and denied his claim.