Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic lumbar spine disorder, including HNP, DDD, and spondylosis at the L5/S1 level, is not attributable to his active service. The claim was denied as there was no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's chronic orchalgia, manifested by bilateral testicular pain that interferes with daily activity and requires continual management with medications, is rated at a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and whether they are related to his service or exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating and TDIU due to calcified pleural plaques have been denied by the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired eye disability for which service connection could be granted.

The Veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits under Chapters 30 and 34 was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria, specifically failing to serve at least three years of continuous active duty in the Armed Forces after June 30, 1985.

The Veteran claims service connection for basal cell carcinomas of the nose, cheek, ear and chest. The VA examiner found it less likely than not that his current condition is related to active service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's lung cancer was rated at 100% until May 6, 2009. The VA reduced the rating to 0%, but this reduction is not valid due to an inadequate examination. A new PFT conducted on May 6, 2009, supports a 60% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral vascular disease and dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to presumed Agent Orange exposure during his Vietnam-era service. The claim of service connection for a chronic lung disorder remains pending as it requires further development.

The Veteran's right vocal cord paralysis is manifested by occasional voice cracking, with normal speech and phonation throughout the appeal period. The VA examinations have consistently shown no significant impairment of his vocal cords.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder and a right hand disorder. The Veteran appealed the denial of the right hand disorder, which led to a remand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's eye disorder, specifically conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The examiner must provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or secondary to allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the prostate status post radical prostatectomy, with post-operative complication of impotency and urinary incontinence, is currently rated at 40 percent prior to May 1, 2008. The Board finds that his symptoms meet criteria for a 60% disability evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hand arthritis was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred due to cold exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's pterygium of the right eye was granted service connection with an initial evaluation of 30 percent effective June 27, 2006. The current visual acuity in the right eye is at worst 20/400 and generally 20/20 or 20/25 in the left eye.

The Veteran's HIV was first diagnosed in August 2005, after he had left active duty. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his HIV and whether it is related to service.

The Veteran's appendiceal cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition. The hypoechoic lesion of the stomach claimed as stromal tumor, cancer of the intestines, is addressed separately in the REMAND portion.