Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's bruxism with a fractured tooth is not considered disabling enough to warrant an initial compensable disability rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for loss of eyesight, which he claims is due to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any eye disorder found.

The Board found that the Veteran's loss of teeth was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability, including as due to radiation treatment for service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The Veteran is granted initial noncompensable ratings for arthralgia affecting the left and right hands, with no additional compensation due to the current evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected interdigital maceration of both feet is currently rated at 10 percent, effective August 29, 2006. The condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a spine disability should be remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied a waiver for overpayment of $12,044 due to the Veteran's death and the appellant not advising VA of his death in a timely manner. The appellant has no entitlement to these payments as they were intended for the late Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder other than alcohol abuse, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's pancreatitis was not incurred or aggravated during his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of multiple myeloma, finding that no legal entitlement to such a date existed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for gout, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and noting that the onset of gout occurred after retirement from active service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot strains have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each, and no higher ratings are warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for increased ratings in both right and left lower extremity popliteal artery entrapment with compartment syndrome. The Board is dismissing these matters as a result.

The Veteran seeks service connection for pharyngeal dysphagia, which is being remanded due to the need for additional development involving Social Security Administration records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left elbow disorder is not related to his military service and therefore, he does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the gastrointestinal disorder characterized as 'leaky gut syndrome' did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty, including as being secondary to the appellant's service-connected allergic rhinitis and sinusitis and the medications taken for treatment of said disorders.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot disability, which includes both pes cavus and Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome. The Veteran's condition was first diagnosed during active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by arthritis with pain, swelling, and weakness, did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to August 31, 2009.

The Veteran's death from gastric carcinoma was not caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death by any service-connected disability, including those potentially related to herbicide exposure.