Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial disability evaluation for residuals of an injury to the right index finger has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for service-connected stucco/actinic keratoses has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in March 2016.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability was incurred in active service and granted. The Veteran is also granted an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for lupus erythema, claimed as skin disease of the face.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus due to exposure to herbicides, finding that there is no positive association between such exposure and any other condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have aggravated his insomnia.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a deviated nasal septum are not etiologically related to service, specifically his exposure to herbicides and mortuary chemicals. The skin disorder was also not shown to be caused or aggravated by service. Therefore, both claims were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA ophthalmologist regarding the relationship between the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left eye and his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that further medical development is needed to determine if the Veteran's left hand disability and fungal infections of the feet are related to service.

The Veteran's perforated right eardrum has been rated as noncompensable since December 3, 2007. The current rating is based on the healed condition of the eardrum and does not include any other symptoms or conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and specifically denied service connection for this condition. The low back disorder issue is addressed separately in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome is caused by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board found no link between the Veteran's enlarged prostate and his active duty service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as he is self-employed and receives income above the poverty threshold.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Arnold Chiari malformation is a congenital defect and not a compensable disability, thus denying service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as a child on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of eighteen due to lack of evidence demonstrating she was incapable of self-support before her 18th birthday.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal regarding whether termination of the $200.00 per month apportionment of the Veteran's disability compensation benefits on behalf of the Veteran's child was proper.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not entitled to recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse on and after July [redacted], 1995, for purposes of VA benefits due to her remarriage prior to November 1, 1990.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tonsillitis and pharyngitis, rated as 10 percent disabling, is being remanded due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled DRO hearing. The case will be readjudicated after any necessary development.