Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for enlarged nodes of the chest and neck due to herbicide exposure, finding no evidence linking this condition to service. The Veteran's facial scars were rated at 30% prior to August 15, 2013, but a higher rating is available.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PID, bladder disorder, and hysterectomy due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's panic disorder is caused by his service-connected PTSD and therefore grants service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that the Veteran's narcissistic personality disorder, which was not service connected in the past, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's left hip replacement disability is rated at 50 percent effective March 1, 2011.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to January 17, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected somatization disorder has caused the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which meets the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining specific information about the Veteran's postservice employment history and salaries.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed right and left hip arthritis did not have its onset during service, was not chronic in service, and did not manifest within one year of service separation. The Board determined that the current hip disabilities are not related to service.

The Veteran's left foot status post bunionectomy is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5280. The Veteran's history of chronic vaginitis does not meet criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but denied the claim as there is no evidence that his current psychiatric condition began during or was caused by military service.

The Board has determined that a new competency examination is needed due to contradictory evidence of record and the lapse of time since the previous examination. Additionally, all outstanding pertinent VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge for his period of service from April 17, 1967, to February 2, 1968, is a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left hip surgery performed in July 2009 at the Portland VA Medical Center. The case is being remanded to allow consideration of newly received medical evidence and to issue a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed because he died during the pendency of his case.

The Veteran's claim for reopening his service connection for a right hand disability has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran is granted up to 32 months and 29 days of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, subject to payment regulations.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to assess whether the appellant was insane at the time he committed offenses leading up to his other-than-honorable discharge. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected right 5th metatarsal head stress fracture prior to August 6, 2008 was denied. For the period from August 6, 2008 onwards, he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent. His claim for a temporary total rating due to convalescence following his right 1st metatarsophalangeal joint replacement was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot disability, diagnosed as unilateral hallux rigidus of the right toe is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.