Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral eye disorder and whether it is related to active military service.

The Board found no evidence of a respiratory disability related to service exposure to asbestos and denied the claim for service connection. The VA examiner also determined that the Veteran's sternum condition is not related to service, as it was a developmental variant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of vision impairment with photosensitivity or a separate bilateral hand disability apart from residuals of a tuft fracture of the right thumb and service-connected cervical radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy. The VA examiner found no evidence of long-term complications related to injuries in service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment of muscle strain and pain were denied as the condition was not deemed an emergent situation, and VA facilities were considered feasibly available.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not shown to warrant a compensable rating prior to January 30, 1987. From January 30, 1987 to June 9, 1998, the disability warranted a 10 percent rating. Since April 19, 2001, the disability has not warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left eye disability is more likely than not caused by an injury sustained during INACDUTRA on September 23, 1967.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease and a tear of the posterior horns of the meniscus, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5010. The evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial and increased ratings for calluses of his right and left feet, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's residuals of colon cancer are currently rated at 40 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher initial rating is not warranted. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for TDIU as his disability does not preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's request to withdraw their appeal, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to the failure to provide notice of a scheduled Board Videoconference hearing. The appellant and the Veteran will be given an opportunity for a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood has been rated at 50 percent since February 12, 2010. The disability is characterized by depression, anxiety, and intermittent suicidal and homicidal ideation, resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for loss of use of a creative organ (sexual dysfunction) and gastrointestinal disability secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective prior to April 27, 2010.

The Veteran's right hallux valgus deformity has been granted service connection and assigned an initial noncompensable rating, which was later increased to a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's skull surgery residuals are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that there is no evidence of brain hernia or disfigurement. The claim for increased ratings for bilateral bunionectomy residuals was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently demonstrated left eye disability, as well as whether it is related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for pulmonary fibrosis and found that new and material evidence has been received. However, it was determined that there is no credible evidence linking his current lung conditions to service or any in-service event.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining terminal hospital reports and a VA medical opinion regarding whether service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity was granted prior to October 13, 2010.,From October 13, 2010 to October 3, 2011, a 20 percent rating was assigned. Since October 4, 2011, a 40 percent rating has been granted for the right lower extremity peripheral vascular disease.,Service connection for this condition is established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis and larynx cancer are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records.