Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran seeks SMC at a higher level for blindness in both eyes, but the RO needs to ensure that all due process requirements are met and obtain any additional evidence needed. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's stroke or residuals thereof are being remanded for further examination and review to determine if they are related to his military service, including as secondary to his service-connected schizophrenia.

The Veteran's calluses and arthroscopy of the left foot have not been found to warrant a higher disability rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, including consideration of new evidence and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 9, 2010 for the grant of nonservice-connected disability pension benefits. The decision was based on the fact that the earliest date entitlement could be granted is November 9, 2010, when the Veteran filed his claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund due to fraudulent identity, finding that he was not the beneficiary listed on the title page.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to service-connected psychological factors affecting gastrointestinal. The RO/AMC is instructed to schedule a VA mental disorders examination, obtain all outstanding records, and consider whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for Raynaud's syndrome, residuals of cold weather injuries to the feet, and residuals of cold weather injuries to the ears. The claim for CAD was also denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for impotence and entitlement to a TDIU. The Veteran's claims were remanded, but the representative has not received adequate notice of these proceedings.

The Veteran's service-connected pelvic abscesses and adhesions are rated at a 30% level, the highest non-compensable rating available under VA guidelines. The decision does not address her TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability due to the lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that caused current low back disability, and no medical opinion supported a link between the Veteran's current condition and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's gynecological disorders, including uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis, were not incurred in or aggravated by her active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at West Marion Community Hospital during the specified period is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right leg disability, including secondary to service-connected arteriosclerotic heart disease due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's stroke occurred after his period of active duty, and there is no evidence showing he was in an ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA status at the time. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a stroke cannot be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a current left hip disability etiologically related to military service or any other condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have cardiac arrhythmia and his irregular heart palpitations are more likely due to anxiety, which is service-connected. Therefore, sinus tachycardia is considered secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.