Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for his adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for lower jaw disability, loss of sense of taste, and loss of sense of smell. The disabilities were found to be manifested by mild impairment associated with the seventh cranial nerve and ninth cranial nerve, complete loss of sense of taste without additional disability, and incomplete loss of sense of smell without additional disability.

The Veteran's left foot and right foot disabilities have been rated at the highest possible under the applicable rating criteria, with a final evaluation of 30 percent for each condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's dysphagia is not related to his active duty service, including his in-service tonsillectomy. The VA examiner opined that the current condition is less likely caused by or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a tonsillectomy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for SMC based on loss of use of the right foot and buttocks, finding that no claim was filed prior to October 23, 1996.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination report.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA ENT examination to determine the nature, extent, onset and etiology of any ear symptoms and/or any residuals of the in-service ear infection found to be present. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and adjudication of his claims, including a TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after all necessary actions have been taken.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a delay in diagnosis and treatment of her Hodgkin's disease has been denied as there is no medical evidence showing that the delay caused additional disability or shortened her life span.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals from in-service bunion surgeries to the great toe and fifth toe of her left foot have been rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted due to the severity of symptoms.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound affecting Muscle Group XI, right foot, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating than 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain and slight limitation of motion, does not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal includes both a claim for service connection and a claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, related to the same July 21, 1989 surgical procedure. The Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined and must be adjudicated together.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for costochondritis is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and review of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip fracture disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The issues of an increased rating for his service-connected back disability and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are also pending.

The Board held that the Veteran's VA compensation benefits were properly terminated from October [redacted], 2003 to October [redacted], 2005 due to his fugitive felon status, and thus the debt created through this termination was proper.

The Veteran's service-connected conversion disorder with bilateral lower extremity paralysis renders him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board found that the Veteran's varicose veins were not incurred or aggravated by service, as they had been surgically corrected prior to his entry into active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent, but he is entitled to a separate 10 percent evaluation for limitation of flexion.