Other conditions Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the extent of his service-connected residuals of compression fractures at T8 and T9. The issue of whether dual disability ratings should be assigned for deformities of T8 and T9 is also pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hammertoes and arthritis of all joints were not granted. The claim for an increased rating for his bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia was granted, but he is denied a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the appellant's squamous cell carcinoma, which was first shown in 1996 and is presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam, involves a respiratory cancer of the larynx. As such, it meets the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected left leg compartment syndrome, sickle cell anemia, and cholecystectomy residuals are all rated at the maximum schedular ratings. The appeals for increased ratings have been denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection as his avascular necrosis with total bilateral hip arthroplasty is not proximately due to any service-connected disability.

The veteran's service-connected hysterical psychoneurosis was granted a 30 percent evaluation from May 6, 1996 to May 2, 1999.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected laceration of the chin was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right foot disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The case is being remanded for scheduling a hearing at the RO, and further development of the claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have Scheuermann's disease and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right distal fibula fracture, as the evidence does not show symptoms that more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left inguinal hernia does not warrant a compensable initial rating, as there is no evidence of recurrent or symptomatic postoperative hernia.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right lower leg do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as they more closely approximate moderately severe disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current pancreatitis is not related to his service or any incident therein, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing amputation of the left hand did not undergo aggravation during service, and arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right hip disorder, as his current disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected residuals, postoperative compound fracture of the left tibia-fibula have been rated at 10 percent since October 27, 2001. The RO has granted a higher evaluation for this disability.

The VA granted service connection for the veteran's residual tumor in the distal sacral nerve root and assigned a rating of 60 percent effective September 19, 2002. The condition is manifested by moderate to severe limitation of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities, including his tongue deviation, difficulty swallowing, speech problems, left carotid artery occlusion (resulting in heart attack), and abdominal aortic aneurysm, were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error. The decision concluded that benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are not warranted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hammertoe of the right and left feet do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Regarding his bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus, additional development is needed as there are incomplete records in the file.