Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for numbness of the left paranasal and upper labial area was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 8205.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including post-left ACL repair and high tibia osteotomy with arthritis, has been evaluated at a non-compensable level (10%) since September 1, 2005. The appeal is denied as the current evaluation adequately compensates for his symptoms.

The Veteran's stomach disorder, including chronic constipation and rectal bleeding, is aggravated by the medications required for his service-connected mechanical low back pain. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg disorder, diagnosed as varicose veins with edema and venous insufficiency, was not incurred or aggravated in active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hand disorder did not have its onset during service or is otherwise related to his service-connected right shoulder disability, nor was an organic disease of the nervous system manifested within one year of discharge from active service. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was less likely as not caused by or a result of his right shoulder dislocations.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to the current range of motion findings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostatitis is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected contracture of the right little finger was denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding evidence and clarification needed in prior VA medical opinions. The claims are related to service connection for PTSD, gastrointestinal disability, TDIU, increased rating for PTSD, and an earlier effective date for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected mitral regurgitation with murmur warrants a disability rating of 30 percent, effective from August 28, 2002.

The Veteran's right index finger strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from February 24, 2009. Prior to this date, the disability was not service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's claim to reopen his arteriosclerosis with claudication claim as it was granted in a December 2011 rating decision. The right eye disability claim remains, but the Board finds that there is no longer any issue regarding service connection for this condition due to the grant of service connection for arteriosclerosis with claudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right Achilles tendonitis and chronic polyps (colon polyps) have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits based on a higher rate of nonservice-connected pension was denied as she is not an eligible payee under the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current eye problems, including refractive error of the eyes, were not incurred or aggravated during military service and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of prostatitis was denied because it did not meet the criteria for a freestanding claim for an earlier effective date. The effective date assigned in March 2005 is August 7, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or upon housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cerebral contusion. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion on the nature and etiology of any residuals of a cerebral contusion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic residuals of spinal meningitis, but finds that there is no current diagnosis of this condition and thus cannot grant service connection.

The Veteran's current residuals of fracture of the right 5th metacarpal were incurred during his active duty service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.