Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability is not related to his acute gastroenteritis during military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cancer of the neck and stroke are related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange, as they are considered secondary to his service-connected laryngeal cancer.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected cold injury residuals of both hands have been manifested by bilateral hand numbness, burning pain, and hypersensitivity to cold. The RO increased the evaluation for the service-connected cold injury residuals of the left hand from 20% to 30%, effective July 12, 2006.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to glioblastoma multiforme, a brain tumor not related to service or exposure to ionizing radiation. His high frequency hearing loss did not contribute to his death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a right middle finger injury. The examiner found no medical nexus between the current disability and service, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a supraumbilical hernia was denied as the earliest date of entitlement is January 20, 2009. The initial rating assigned for the hernia was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's spouse is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) for the need of regular aid and attendance due to their service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for left foot numbness and tingling secondary to residuals of discectomy was denied, as the evidence did not show moderate paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current right thumb disability and head injury residuals. The Veteran's service records indicate a history of a right thumb fracture in 1968, but no subsequent complaints or treatment for this condition until February 2008. For his head injury, there are conflicting reports from the Veteran regarding when it occurred (late December 1966 to January 1967), and VA has requested additional information from NARA. The Board will remand these issues for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected acrocyanosis with frost bite of the left and right foot does not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and a skin disorder, both potentially related to herbicide exposure during his military service, are being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right leg disability is not related to his active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 60 percent for a right hip deformity is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected ulcerative colitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's somatoform disorder, manifested by right leg pain and abdominal pain. The appeal will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA death benefits. The underlying issue of entitlement to death pension benefits, including income and net worth requirements, will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and traumatic arthritis, has been rated at 20 percent since April 2000. The current rating is the highest possible under Diagnostic Code 5201 due to limitation of motion (flexion limited to 90 degrees and abduction limited to 100 degrees).

The Veteran's service-connected spasticity duodenum has been rated at 20 percent disabling since August 30, 2011. The disability is characterized by moderate manifestations including nausea and epigastric pain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's right great toe disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.