Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's skin disability, specifically dyshidrosis of the feet, has not been evaluated during an active phase. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the severity and extent of her condition.

The Veteran seeks reimbursement for private medical expenses incurred during his hospitalization at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. The Board has determined that additional records are needed to fully adjudicate the claim, including communication logs from any VA facilities regarding potential transfer of the Veteran.

The Board has denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for spondyloishthesis with mild degenerative joint disease, as new and material evidence was not submitted since the March 2004 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a Military Police report and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's right hand disability.

The Veteran's loss of sense of smell as a residual of septoplasty was found to be a partial loss, and thus not warranting an initial disability rating in excess of zero percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and further development under the duty to assist is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of July 17, 2009, for the grant of service connection for a psychotic disorder NOS. The decision found that no earlier effective date was warranted as the claim had been previously denied and reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability, diagnosed as multilevel degenerative changes with grade I minimal retrolisthesis, was incurred during his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a gynecological disorder, including dysfunctional uterine bleeding and endometriosis due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The Veteran's current condition is related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including gastritis and esophageal dysmotility, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both feet and right hand is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, a VA examination, and further development.

The Board has remanded the case for a video-conference hearing due to the appellant's request, and will not make a decision on service connection until further proceedings are completed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right hip disorder. The pre-existing condition is presumed to have existed prior to service, but it is likely aggravated by service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's colorectal cancer was not caused by VA treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's surgery did not necessitate at least one month of convalescence or result in any severe postoperative residuals, and thus he is not entitled to a temporary total rating for convalescence following right foot tibial sesamoidectomy.

The Veteran's service ended before the start of the Vietnam War period, and thus does not qualify for a nonservice-connected pension due to lack of Vietnam-era service.

The Board found that a lung disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and is not proximately due to or the result of exposure to asbestos.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic right hand disability in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding payment of private medical expenses incurred on April 2 and April 15, 2012. The claim will be returned to the Board after issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected back strain with history of minimal diffuse bulge at L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 has been rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, no findings of favorable ankylosis, incapacitating episodes over the past 12 months, or associated neurological abnormalities.