Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer disease and dumping syndrome have been rated at 40 percent since February 1, 1994. The symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, weight fluctuations, and anemia are consistent with a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7308 for postgastrectomy symptoms.

The Veteran's back disability, evaluated as 40 percent disabling since September 25, 2015, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's left second toe hammertoe and phalangectomy residuals have been shown to result in moderately severe disability, warranting a 20% evaluation. The right fourth toe amputation does not show any residual impairment.

The Veteran's vasovagal syncope has not been shown to be complete in nature, thus the current rating of 30 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran does not have a current disability associated with heart palpitations, including sinus bradycardia and tachycardia, and syncope. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms are transient vasovagal responses or normal body homeostatic mechanisms.

The Veteran's psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction, characterized by Alzheimer's dementia and related symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, forgetfulness, ulcers, stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness, has been rated at 100 percent since April 8, 2008.

The Veteran's death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest, due to or as a consequence of congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions did not manifest during service and are not attributable to service. The Board finds that the cause of death is unrelated to any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a valid psychiatric disorder and therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied. The claim for a compensable rating for peptic ulcer disease was also denied as there is no evidence of current peptic ulcer disease or hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's spouse has been granted apportionments of his VA compensation benefits during periods when he was incarcerated, with the first period receiving a 20% apportionment and the second period receiving a 50% apportionment. The decision also grants an increased apportionment for the second period.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of cold injury and assigned a 100% rating effective September 24, 2008. The Veteran's claim was not previously denied based on the character of his discharge but rather due to lack of evidence of in-service exposure or current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left and right knees are being remanded due to inadequate prior VA examinations. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of his bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's right eye disability (optic atrophy) is granted service connection, while his otitis externa does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic cough did not have a diagnosed underlying condition and denied service connection.

The Veteran's urticaria (claimed as skin condition and body rash) was found to affect more than 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, warranting a 60% evaluation prior to March 25, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to his annual income exceeding the statutory limit set by Congress.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic pectoral region muscle strain is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of malaria or its residuals, and therefore service connection for residuals of malaria is denied.

The Board found no chronic skin disability attributable to service or herbicide exposure, and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder. The Veteran also sought an increased evaluation for PTSD, but the Board determined that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's skin disability of the bilateral feet was not shown in active service or for years thereafter, and the only medical opinion to address the etiology of the condition found it unrelated to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include as due to herbicide exposure, is denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current respiratory condition is related to his military service or herbicide exposure.