Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected fracture of the spinous process, L2-L3 has healed and does not produce significant symptoms or impairment.

The appellant is requesting additional DIC for aid and attendance or housebound benefits due to her physical and mental incapacity. The case must be remanded for further development, including verification of the appellant's status as a patient in a nursing home.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection decision has been made.

The Board found that the Veteran's MRSA infection following his left hip replacement surgery was not due to faulty, negligent or deficient medical care by VA. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right ankle and right foot disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they warrant any increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected fecal incontinence is rated at 30 percent prior to April 20, 2011 and at 60 percent beginning on that date.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder predated service and was not otherwise related to his service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure (Agent Orange), was denied because there is no evidence of chronic symptoms since service separation and the condition did not manifest within one year after service. The Board found that basal cell carcinoma is not related to active service.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for cause of death due to alcohol dependence and PTSD. The case will be reviewed after the requested information is obtained.

The Veteran's vision problems were not present in service or until many years thereafter and are not related to service. The Veteran does not have additional vision problems as a result of VA care, treatment, or service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was denied increased ratings prior to November 8, 2010 and since July 1, 2011. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Board for further consideration due to insufficient consideration of his employment history and the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hand and foot paresthesias do not meet the criteria for a compensable initial disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for his ulcerative colitis or left femur disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examination. The Veteran's prostate disorder is being reviewed again with new evidence and a different examiner.

The Veteran's cancer of the right testicle was first diagnosed many years after service and is not etiologically related to exposure to asbestos, or any other disease or injury incurred during active duty service.

The Veteran's onychomycosis of the toes of both feet is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, with intermittent anti-fungal therapy over less than 5% of his entire body. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or linked to his service-connected disabilities, including his head injuries. The medical evidence did not support a causal link between the service-connected conditions and the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board has found no error in the RO's administration of compensation payments based on dependent status and CRDP during the period May 1, 2006, through October 31, 2008. The Veteran was correctly paid at a rate that included his spouse and three children.

The Board found that the Veteran's peptic ulcer, which caused his death in 1990, was not related to service and thus denied the claim for service connection.