Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board determined that the Veteran's neuromas of both feet are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking them to his active duty service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, as the cause of death (left middle cerebral artery stroke) was not related to his military service. His bilateral hearing loss did not contribute to his death.

The Board found that the preponderance of the competent medical and other evidence of record is against a finding that the Veteran incurred chronic residuals as a result of in-service ear infection(s) to include ear fungus, and also against a finding that he currently has a chronic ear disability that was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to cause his death, as it aggravated a direct cause of death: hypertension. The Board found that the evidence reasonably supports entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development regarding his exposure claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or substantially contribute to his death, and there was no evidence showing a causal link between any other service-connected condition and his death. The Veteran died due to a motorcycle accident caused by his own negligence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuroendocrine thymic carcinoma is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his active military service and the condition.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected dental disabilities, but denied his claims for increased initial ratings for PTSD, TBI, and frostbite of the right middle, ring, and index fingers.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for cause of death, but it is denied as there is no causal relationship between the Veteran's sarcoma and exposure to ionizing radiation during his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund as they had no service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for arthritis of the feet.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied, as the evidence did not support a finding of a current left hand disability or right hand disability (other than the fifth metacarpal fracture). The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's adenocarcinoma of unknown origin was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to be related to service due to inadequate or insufficient evidence.

The Board determined that the Veteran's service treatment records did not show any chronic right foot disability. The current diagnoses of pes planus, diabetic ulcers, metatarsalgia, plantar corns, Charcot arthropathy, degenerative joint disease (DJD), lesser toe deformities, and lytic lesions are considered sequelae of his nonservice-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability characterized by numbness in the arms and legs, thus denying service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including schizoaffective disorder, is related to service. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and for obtaining private medical records.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and schizoaffective disorder. The Veteran's new evidence supports her claim that her allergies worsened during service, and she developed a psychiatric disorder in service. As such, both conditions are now considered to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the appellant withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation for headaches, currently rated as 50 percent disabling. For the period from October 1, 1997 to August 21, 2007, a disability rating of 50% is granted for chronic adjustment disorder. For the period after August 20, 2007, a disability rating in excess of 70% is not warranted.