Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of tongue laceration warrant a 10 percent disability rating, as his symptoms are adequately addressed by the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected foot disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 20 percent is warranted for both feet.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's prostate and bladder conditions, finding that they were incurred during his military service. The issues of reopening the claim for a prostate condition and establishing service connection for a bladder condition have both been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's back and groin conditions. The claim for service connection for a spinal injury will be addressed, as well as whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a service connection claim for a groin injury.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (varicose veins of the left and right lower legs) preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's esophageal adenocarcinoma is being remanded for clarification of the examiner's opinion regarding his history of GERD and service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right upper extremity disability, diagnosed as reflex sympathy dystrophy, is secondary to her service-connected right upper extremity lipoma. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as her left hamstring sprain has not manifested with limitation of abduction or flexion, and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the cause of death and whether service connection should be granted. The new opinion is required to address whether PTSD aggravated the fatal cardiac arrest, as well as any herbicide exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough examination of her abdominal neuralgia and because her TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with her service connection claim.

The Veteran's right hip disorder is not shown to be related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and the Board denied his claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's upper extremity disabilities are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness manifested by neurological symptoms and muscle pain presumed to have been incurred as a result of his Persian Gulf War service. Service connection is granted for both the right and left upper extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, malunion of the metatarsal osteotomies, forefoot equinus, arthritis, peroneal brevis tear, and hammertoes.

The Veteran's service connection claim for multiple system atrophy is being remanded to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current diagnosis and active military service, including exposure to industrial chemicals while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, any outstanding VA treatment records from Charleston, South Carolina VAMC and Houston, Texas VAMC are requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the gingiva and mandible is not etiologically related to his active service, including as a result of herbicide exposure. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's right thumb condition resulted in painful motion only as of May 23, 2009. He is currently assigned a 10% rating for this condition.

The Board determined that the appellant, DCC, is recognized as the Veteran's lawful surviving spouse for DIC purposes prior to April 27, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are not etiologically related to his in-service herbicide exposure or sun exposure, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA hospital records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left hand disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.