Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial evaluation for his service-connected posttraumatic arthritis of the right hip has been increased from 0 to 10 percent. The Board finds that a new VA examination is needed due to the passage of time and the possibility of an increase in severity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral vascular disorder of the bilateral lower extremities. The issue is now remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examination and treatment records.

The Board is remanding the case to provide proper VCAA notice and determine whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the evidence submitted since the February 2008 rating decision is not new and material, as it does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The fatal conditions causing his death are not linked to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for mild post-micturition incontinence and constipation, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected type 2 diabetes mellitus, are being remanded due to the inadequacy of previous VA examination reports. Additional development is needed including securing records from a private doctor visit, obtaining an updated medical opinion on the etiology of these conditions, and assessing the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain private treatment records and schedule a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left eye disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right hip disability and granted secondary service connection for bilateral knee disabilities. However, further examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hip disabilities.

The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's peripheral vascular disease was not related to his active military service, including any herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic periodontitis with bone dissolution and tooth loss does not meet the criteria for compensation purposes under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate for purposes of adjudicating the Veteran's service connection claim and has ordered a new examination to address these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye disorder is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for mouth sores has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence, but the appeal is dismissed as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability and secondary service connection for an abdominal aortic aneurysm was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a compensable service-connected dental condition, as his periodontitis is due to inadequate oral hygiene and infrequent dental care.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal seeking educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and thus there are no remaining issues for appellate consideration.

The Board found that arthritis of the left hand did not manifest within one year of service and there was no continuity of symptoms. The Veteran's current disability is considered to be a direct result of an in-service injury, but not related to any disease or injury incurred during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for spindle cell lipoma of the neck due to a lack of examination and to verify his current address. The case will be adjudicated again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran had pending claims at the time of his death, warranting consideration for accrued benefits purposes. The Appellant's claim was denied on procedural grounds but is now remanded to issue a statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for colon cancer and removal of lymph nodes due to insufficient evidence on file. The Veteran was exposed to asbestos during his active duty, but there is not enough information to determine if this exposure caused or contributed to his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for neurological disability of the bilateral lower extremities and urinary disability, both as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. The case is to be addressed by the RO in a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's urethrocutaneous fistulae with priapism is secondary to his service-connected segmental thrombophlebitis of the right leg.