Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's neurogenic bowel and bladder disorders are granted with ratings of 100% for the bowel disorder, effective December 2008, and 60% for the bladder disorder, also effective December 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's mitral stenosis, which is secondary to rheumatic fever, existed prior to her military service and did not undergo a permanent worsening during active duty beyond the natural progression of the disease.

The Veteran's motion for revision or reversal on the grounds of CUE in a July 1989 Board decision was dismissed without prejudice to refiling due to failure to comply with specific requirements.

The Veteran's shrapnel wound of the right thigh resulting in a muscle injury is already rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5314, and there is no evidence that it involves Muscle Group XVII. Therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a stab wound was granted, with the effective date set at June 14, 2007. The initial compensable evaluation for anxiety disorder prior to April 5, 2013 remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of cold injury of the hands and feet was denied, while his claim for corns on both feet resulted in a grant with a noncompensable rating.,Service connection for corns on both feet is granted, but no higher as they are considered analogous to scars.

The Board has found that the appellant, who sustained a head injury requiring a lobectomy in November 1996 and was rendered permanently incapable of self-support by age 18 due to cognitive limitations and residual effects from his injuries, qualifies for DIC benefits based on helpless child status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot arthritis is related to his service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her benign granulomatous disease is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling another VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not sustain a head or brain injury in service, and therefore does not meet the criteria for service connection for residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left thumb laceration have been manifested by superficial scar without any painful or unstable characteristics, and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to determine the current severity of his left foot calluses and right foot calluses. The examiner will address whether any current left foot calluses are incurred in or aggravated by service, caused by his service-connected right knee disability, or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran, finding that she did not meet the eligibility requirements based on a valid civil/ceremonial marriage and that Maine does not recognize common law marriages.

The Veteran's appeal for VA home loan guaranty benefits has been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of a psychiatric disorder to include schizoaffective disorder was denied as there is no evidence of any unadjudicated formal or informal claim prior to August 16, 2006.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for avascular necrosis of the right and left hips as secondary to his service-connected sinusitis. The case has been remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether corticosteroids used for sinusitis caused or aggravated the hip conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for arthritis of the fingers and right hand. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for dental and cerebrovascular conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any skin disorder, including lichen planus, claimed as due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's service records are incomplete and need to be verified, particularly his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) and inactive duty for training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's left hip degenerative joint disease is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee, right knee, and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's lip/mouth numbness was caused by VA medical treatment, but the fault lies with the patient due to a failure of informed consent and an event not reasonably foreseeable. The claim is granted.