Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for epididymitis of the left testicle was denied as there is no probative evidence of hospitalization treatment or continuous intensive treatment, and his symptoms do not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a GSW to the left hand resulting in a comminuted fracture of the left third metacarpal are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective December 9, 2008. The evidence does not show ankylosis or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of a head injury and residuals of an eye injury, but denied service connection for post interior crest disorder (vertebrae).

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of filariasis, claimed as bilateral leg and groin disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board found that the appellant knowingly presented fraudulent evidence to VA, and declared forfeiture of his eligibility for VA benefits.

The appellant is seeking benefits for disability due to Hirschsprung's disease. However, the evidence does not show that her mother had active military service in Vietnam during the specified period, which is required for eligibility under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1815.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the Board finds that his cause of death (possible pulmonary embolism secondary to bedridden status) is not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral heel stress fracture residuals have been rated as moderate, and no higher rating is warranted under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an eye condition, to include a pterygium. The case is now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only, effective March 2, 2012. The issue is now pending before the RO to determine an appropriate effective date.

The Board found that the Veteran did not sustain an injury, disease, or event manifesting in costochondritis during active service and does not have a current diagnosis of costochondritis. Therefore, the claim for service connection for right-sided costochondritis was denied.

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

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

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal for entitlement to death pension, and the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral foot calluses are related to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her right thumb disability was granted, and she is currently receiving a 20% rating effective August 27, 2011. The Board found that the evidence supported an increased rating based on arthritis of the right thumb.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Air Force Academy and determining if an extraschedular evaluation is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient VCAA notice regarding new and material evidence for reopening a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for nerve damage of the left arm and hand due to surgery for malignant melanoma of the left arm. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine whether there is any additional disability due to fault on VA's part in performing the two 2006 surgeries.

The Veteran's palindromic rheumatism was manifested with definite impairment of health, but without severe impairment or severely incapacitating exacerbations. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.