Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's left elbow disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which corresponds to limitation of motion. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's left carotid artery blockage is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7015 for atrioventricular block. The Board finds that his symptoms most closely approximate this level of disability.

The Board found that the cause of death, acute myelogenous leukemia, was not caused by service-connected conditions and did not find any causal link to exposure to oil well fire smoke in Kuwait.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for herpes progenitalis was denied as there was no evidence of systemic therapy or coverage exceeding 5% of the entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's active service period from February 2004 to March 2007 was subject to the education loan repayment program under 10 U.S.C.A. Chapter 109 and thus does not establish eligibility for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. His remaining active service is insufficient to establish eligibility for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's income and expenses, as well as his medical needs. The Veteran is asked to provide updated financial details and additional evidence related to his household situation.

The Board has found the appellant is eligible for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of receiving death pension and DIC benefits. The case is remanded for adjudication of these claims.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential asbestos exposure and its relation to the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral breast fibroadenoma or fibrocystic breasts have been manifested by pain, soreness, tenderness, and lumps/cysts but no functional impairment of her urinary or gynecological systems. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The VA determined that the Veteran's cause of death, glioblastoma multiforme, was not caused by or a result of his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board found the VA opinion inadequate and remanded for further explanation.

The Veteran's service-connected left testis tumor excision residuals do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as they are not manifested by continuous treatment for urinary tract or kidney infection(s), evidence of renal dysfunction, painful or unstable scars, scar(s) that cover an area or areas greater than 6 square inches (39 sq. cm), nor complete atrophy or removal of either testis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip fracture is causally related to his service-connected right knee disability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability was denied as he did not have a current diagnosis of the condition and failed to report for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA and private treatment records related to his service-connected coccidioidomycosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing chronic respiratory disorder, including bronchiectasis and restrictive airway disease, was not aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's Reiter's disease is currently rated at 40 percent effective March 18, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted prior to this date.,Service connection for a kidney disorder as secondary to service-connected Reiter's disease is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypermobility of the jaw was a congenital defect and not aggravated by service. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's psoriatic arthritis of the right knee, ring finger of the right hand, little finger of the right hand, ring finger of the left hand, and little finger of the left hand have been rated at 10 percent since September 18, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior directives regarding obtaining records from the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The appellant is asked to authorize VA to obtain these records, and if necessary, provide them herself.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum to the latest VA opinion. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a skin disability is pending.