Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's left foot disability, post-traumatic midfoot arthritis with multiple hammertoes and Morton's neuroma. The claim was decided on the merits under a direct service connection theory.

The Board found that the Veteran's lipoma of the left thigh is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed left hand disability, including arthritis. The examiner will assess whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of left hand arthritis that is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's prostate disorder claim is denied as the evidence does not establish that it began during or was caused by his military service.,The Veteran's varicose veins claim is denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.,The Veteran's pleurisy (lung disorder) claim is denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim.

The Veteran's status post circumcision with residuals of groin injury has been manifested by penile deformity and pain associated with ilioinguinal neuralgia without sensory or motor loss. The Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted as the disability does not meet the criteria for any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right eye disability did not worsen during service and is therefore not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected status post pubovaginal sling and anterior cystoscopy repair with residuals of urinary frequency is rated at 60 percent, effective May 2006. Service connection for Crohn's colitis and gastroparesis has been granted.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for sacroilitis and deviated septum and nasal obstruction, status post septorhinoplasty and bilateral turbinoplasty as they are considered part of the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's right foot fracture is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and diabetic neuropathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination and the acquisition of any outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's esophageal collapse and stenosis disability is rated at the highest compensable level (30%) for the entire initial rating period. The RLS disability has also been granted a compensable evaluation, but no higher.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a broken back with secondary cellulitis, finding that new and material evidence was received. The decision concludes that these injuries were not incurred in the line of duty due to willful misconduct.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation and VCAA notification issues.

The Veteran's active service from May 1959 to April 1961 does not constitute active military service during a period of war, thus precluding eligibility for nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to confusion regarding his education benefits and the need for verification of qualifying active duty service. The RO/AMC will determine if he is now eligible for MGIB program benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 19, 2009 for the grant of service connection for residuals of right arm radial head fracture with degenerative joint disease was denied as there is no evidence indicating a formal or informal claim was received prior to that date.

The Board has granted the application to reopen the claim for service connection for the residuals of a right leg hamstring injury. The underlying issue for service connection is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's right foot disability, specifically the residuals of stress fracture and a neuroma, is currently rated at 10 percent. This rating has been granted effective January 12, 2010.

The Veteran died from acute myocardial infarction, but there is no evidence that his death was related to service. The appellant is not eligible for VA death benefits as she did not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for educational assistance under Chapter 1606, Title 10, United States Code, MGIB-SR benefits because she did not have a six year contract with the Navy Reserves.