Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues are an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for a left leg disability and an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected varicose veins and any recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran claims service connection for a right foot disability, including residuals of a pre-existing injury. The Board has determined that further examination and development are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current right foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability substantially contributed to his death, which is considered the cause of death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for poliomyelitis with residual weakness of leg and joints is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records, as well as private medical records from Dr. Velgrasso at Baylor College regarding his preexisting disability.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 100% disability rating for schizoaffective disorder, finding that the reduction from 100% to 50% was not proper.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests clarification on whether the Veteran wishes to have a hearing. The claim will be reconsidered in light of all additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining an opinion from a physician regarding whether the Veteran's terminal colon cancer originated in the colon or elsewhere, and if so, whether it is related to service, to include herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current chronic respiratory disorder is at least as likely as not related to his in-service asbestos exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The appeal is REMANDED to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Portland, Oregon. The Veteran's claim for payment of private medical expenses will be reconsidered with additional records and a determination on whether he was referred by VA medical personnel.

The Veteran's otitis media has been rated at 10 percent since April 2, 2013.

The Veteran's residuals of a collapsed right lung are manifested by pleuritic chest pain and pulmonary impairment, with a FEV-1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) of 72 percent predicted and a FEV-1/FVC ratio of 73 percent. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation of 10 percent, but no higher, are met prior to September 19, 2009.

The case is being remanded due to the need for further development of the Veteran's service treatment and personnel records. The appellant will be provided with a notice regarding the unavailability of these records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his left leg disability and whether it is related to his service-connected left ankle sprain.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development, including scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination and considering the July 2013 mental disorder VA examination. The appeal will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Board found that the Appellant's other than honorable discharge from active duty is a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of testicular cancer as secondary to herbicide exposure is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding diagnosis and etiology.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by chronic muscular strain of the trapezius and acromioclavicular joint bursitis, has been rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on functional loss or limitation of motion.