Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for residuals of status post myomectomy prior to June 20, 2012 was denied as there were no findings of bowel or bladder symptoms. The Veteran's total hysterectomy from October 1, 2012 resulted in a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's chronic muscle spasm disorder, which he claims is due to an undiagnosed illness during his service in Kuwait, has been granted service connection. The condition became manifest within the required time frame and meets the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the grant of service connection (April 27, 2011).

The Veteran seeks payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Montana on October 1, 2009. The appeal is currently remanded due to incomplete development and potential eligibility under VA's provisions for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left fourth finger disorder is incurred in service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for a recurrent left inguinal hernia, status-post surgical repair has been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney. As such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's right elbow disability, rated as traumatic arthritis, has been found to warrant a 50 percent rating since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is at least as likely as not related to his service, specifically his in-service ITP. Therefore, the claim for CVID secondary to ITP is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not qualify as a surviving spouse for the purpose of receiving DIC benefits due to her marriage being invalid by reason of a legal impediment, and no claim was filed by a legal surviving spouse who had been found entitled to such benefits.

The Veteran's bilateral foot strain has been shown to be productive of painful motion equivalent to a moderate foot injury of each foot, warranting separate 10 percent ratings for left and right feet.

The appellant's application for Chapter 35 DEA benefits was denied because he filed it more than 8 years after his father's death and at an age over 31, which exceeded the eligibility period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma, including of the buccal mucosa, mandible gingiva, lip, and tongue, is at least as likely as not etiologically related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination regarding his left thumb disorder and readjudication of the issues related to coronary artery disease, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left eye disorders are not related to his service, including a right eye injury in service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's urethral stricture existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's Raynaud's disease was not incurred or aggravated during active service, and the Board finds that it is not a qualifying chronic disability for purposes of Persian Gulf veteran status. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sinus disability and respiratory disability (COPD). The decision found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a sinus disability, and concluded that any current sinus disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain cancer. The appeal is remanded to determine if his exposure to ionizing radiation or chemicals in service may have contributed to his condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for abrasions of the right face. The previously denied claim was based on a finding of no scarring, and the newly submitted evidence does not provide any additional information regarding current disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his right ankle injury and the issue of service connection for multiple myeloma have been withdrawn. The claim for a higher rating of his right knee disability is granted at 30 percent. However, the claims for aid and attendance/housebound benefits are denied as there is no established service connection for atrial fibrillation.