Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's liver disorder is not considered service-connected, and it was not caused or aggravated by the medication used for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability, which includes squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma along with multiple actinic keratoses, has been rated at the maximum 60 percent level since December 4, 2006. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Veteran's right and left elbow disabilities were granted service connection, with a rating of 10% each effective August 20, 2013. The RO found that the functional limitations due to pain warranted these ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple myeloma is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The appellant is not entitled to an increased rate of improved death pension benefits as her award is based on zero annual countable income and the maximum rate.

The Veteran's keratoses and epidermoid cyst are related to service, while chloracne is not. Service connection for the former condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an additional Clothing Allowance under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1162 is being remanded due to the need for a determination regarding whether his prescribed salicylic acid/sulfur shampoo causes irreparable damage to his outer garments.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied because he did not receive medical services at VA within the 24-month period preceding his emergency treatment on December 27, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's personality disorder is not service-connected as it is a congenital or developmental defect and not shown to be aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a bilateral eye disability that is etiologically related to his service. The preponderance of evidence is against finding such a connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disease, including as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

The Veteran's left foot stress fracture of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint with arthritis and cortical thickening is currently rated as noncompensable under DC 5284. The Board has granted an initial 20 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's current left hand arthritis is found to be causally related to his active military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax have not met the criteria for an increased rating since September 18, 2014. The VA examinations and treatment records do not show any significant lung function impairment that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's pancreatitis and dumping syndrome were not caused by carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill on the part of VA. The acquired psychiatric disability is not related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claim for recurring annual clothing allowance benefits is no longer before the Board.

The Veteran's residuals of cold injury to the right and left sides of his face have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, effective January 31, 2012.

The Veteran's right trapezius injury was rated at 20 percent prior to November 19, 2014 and increased to 40 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.