Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's costochondritis is found to be a separate musculoskeletal disability caused by his underlying service-connected respiratory disability, and thus service connection for costochondritis is granted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for gum disease and loss of teeth numbers 6 to 11, which he contends was caused by his service-connected tooth number 8. The Board has requested an addendum opinion from the July 2015 VA examiner to address whether the service-connected condition aggravated the non-service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's Wegener's granulomatosis, sensitivity to cold, and loss of two fingertips are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's impotence, manifested by erectile dysfunction and a penile deformity, is rated at the next higher rating of 20% under Diagnostic Code 7522.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability, manifested by marked limitation of ankle motion, warranted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the entire rating period.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder was initially rated at 50 percent prior to May 19, 2015. Since then, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarification of the etiology and relationship between any current right hip disorders and military service or service-connected conditions, including an examination to address these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's abdominal aortic aneurysm was not incurred in service, is not presumed to have been incurred in service, and is not proximately due to or a result of or aggravated by any service-connected disability. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip arthritis did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to service. The Board also determined that the right hip disability is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by the service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a videoconference hearing for the Veteran's appeal, but no action was taken by the RO in response to this directive. The case is now being returned to the RO to arrange such a hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for HIV infection/AIDS and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for accrued benefits purposes due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during active duty. The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to his diagnosed NHL.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left foot first metatarsal degenerative joint disease and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for a right ankle scar. The service connection is determined to be direct, with no evidence of exposure basis or PACT Act involvement.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma have been rated at 10 percent prior to July 3, 2012, and 30 percent as of that date. The rating for laryngitis remains at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral defective hearing warrants a 10 percent evaluation effective from February 27, 2015.

The Board denied the appellant's claim, finding that her spouse was discharged under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct. This discharge barred her from receiving VA non-service-connected death pension benefits.

The Board has decided in favor of the Veteran, granting service connection for a skin disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran had symptoms during active service and sought treatment shortly after separation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to reassess the severity of his service-connected left lower leg fracture.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional information regarding his financial eligibility for nonservice-connected disability pension.