Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50% from August 13, 2002 to March 15, 2005. The evidence does not show that the disability more closely approximates total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for hair loss of the head and face, to include a skin disorder due to lack of evidence linking the condition to military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's chronic prostatitis is related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents. Therefore, service connection for prostate disorder is granted.

The Board finds there is no longer any error of fact or law remaining for the Board to adjudicate due to the March 2009 VRC's determination that the Veteran was entitled to VRE benefits and the achievement of his vocational goal was currently reasonably feasible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative disc disease and low back strain, had its onset during his active duty service or within one year thereafter. The decision grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his eye disorders and PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current colon disability other than hemorrhoids, to include villous adenocarcinoma of colon, was not incurred or caused by his active duty service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's service-connected broken left big toe disorder, along with degenerative joint disease and hammer toes of the left foot, has resulted in a compensable disability rating. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU as part of his increased rating claim for residuals of a broken big toe of the left foot.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed because the claim is no longer valid due to his death.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected muscle tear to the left rectus femoris, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5314.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left inguinal hernia is related to his service, specifically flight training where he experienced high G-forces. The evidence in equipoise, the benefit of doubt was given to the Veteran and service connection for a left inguinal hernia was granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for situational maladjustment (claimed as a nervous condition) and denied his application for nonservice-connected VA pension benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for myocardial chest pain, including as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for further development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was likely exposed to asbestos in service, even if only minimally. The claim for service connection for a pulmonary/respiratory disorder is remanded for the Veteran to be afforded a VA medical examination that addresses the nature and etiology of any current respiratory/pulmonary disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 9, 2007 for the grant of service connection for restrictive lung disease with dyspnea and other respiratory symptoms has been denied. The Board found that the earliest effective date possible is November 9, 2007, when the Veteran filed a petition to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's chronic insomnia is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability for compensation purposes is denied as there are no provisions of the law under which entitlement to service connection may be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lower back strain with spondylosis is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases or Injuries of the Spine. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity and functional impairment associated with his condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his service-connected right leg disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's incomplete paralysis of the trigeminal nerve is denied as it was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill.