Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the Veteran's address and for completion of a VA Form 21-8940, Veterans Application for Increased Compensation Based on Unemployability. The effective date for TDIU benefits is also to be determined.

The Veteran's service-connected Osgood-Schlatter's disease with patellar tendonitis of both knees has been rated at 10% since the claims period. The VA examinations and treatment records show that his knee disabilities have not resulted in more than normal range of motion, even considering pain and other functional limitations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA records from a specific time period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA medical examination to address the claim of entitlement to service connection for painful joints (also claimed as multiple joint arthralgia of all major joints).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination to determine if he is permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected somatization disorder. The case will be returned to the AOJ for readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right pinky finger disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's prostate disability and dental condition were not found to be related to his active service, including presumed herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's varicose vein disability of the right lower extremity has been rated at 60 percent since July 1, 2009. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Veteran's cause of death was pneumonia, lobar right. The service-connected residuals of gunshot wound did not contribute to his death.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for instability and arthritis in the left knee, as these conditions are not related to a service-connected disability. Patellofemoral syndrome in the left knee is secondary to a service-connected right knee disorder.

The Veteran's case is being remanded to the St. Paul RO in Minnesota due to his recent move, and he will be rescheduled for a Travel Board hearing at that location.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of abdominal exploratory laparotomy with adhesions of the peritoneum is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims for service connection can be decided. The Veteran's conditions, including epididymitis, hydrocele, and abdominal pain, are being examined to determine if they are related to his service-connected prostate cancer or military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and increased ratings for peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities and neurological disability of the bilateral lower legs due to trauma was withdrawn.,The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no current evidence of a bilateral ear condition, varicose veins, or left lower extremity blood clots related to service.,There is insufficient medical evidence to support the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The case is being remanded to obtain private treatment records and adjudicate the claim for TDIU. The Veteran's initial rating for sleep walking disorder with adjustment disorder remains pending, but a higher rating may be granted after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis and disc compression of the spine did not originate in service or until years thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis, L5 over S1 and established that his current condition was aggravated by his active duty service. The Veteran is granted service connection.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with depressed mood has been rated as 50 percent disabling prior to September 17, 2013, and as 70 percent disabling from that date. The Board found the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met during this period.