Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for aortic stenosis is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear at his scheduled videoconference hearing. He will be given another opportunity to present his case.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and a need for further development, including scheduling a VA skin examination. The Veteran is presumed exposed to burn pits during his service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further medical development to determine appropriate increased ratings for his wrist disabilities.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal because a timely substantive appeal was not filed within the required time frame.

The Veteran's anemia is stable with hemoglobin readings ranging from 12.5 to 13.6, which do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hydroceles and epididymal cyst on the right testicle have not required long-term drug therapy, 1-2 hospitalizations per year, or intermittent intensive management. Therefore, a compensable rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cholangiocarcinoma, which caused his death, was likely caused by ingesting a parasite during his service in Vietnam. Given all the evidence and considering all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant, the Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's loss of sense of smell has been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation (10%) since August 19, 2009. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the severity and symptomatology of his condition.

The Veteran's request for back travel mileage reimbursement was denied due to failure to timely file a substantive appeal. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disability of the spleen, liver, and gall bladder was not caused by VA treatment with ibuprofen and Tylenol #3.

The Veteran's surgery on February 9, 2009 was not due to an emergency and therefore does not meet the criteria for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed liver disease or blood disorder, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right kidney damage and/or liver damage due to VA treatment is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hiatal hernia was not present in service or manifested until years after service, and no currently present hiatal hernia is etiologically related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a hiatal hernia must be denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion, warrants a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5258. A separate compensable rating for limitation of motion is not warranted.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of shell fragment wound to the right leg, with injury to muscle group XIV due to the Veteran's symptoms not meeting the criteria for higher ratings based on his muscle injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity are a continuation of the same condition he had during service, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's left great toe disability warranted additional convalescence under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. � 4.30 until March 30, 2008, and a temporary total rating extension was granted.

The Veteran's mixed hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are found to be at least as likely as not caused by herbicide exposure during his active military service, specifically Agent Orange. The cause of death is also determined to be related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of breast cancer surgery is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and treatment history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected narcolepsy disability warrants a 80 percent rating, effective March 6, 2008.