Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for his service-connected back disability and a TDIU. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back disability, including its impact on employment and daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right calf and thigh are rated at 20 percent and 30 percent, respectively, with no higher ratings due to the nature of the disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right eye optic neuritis is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's OCD does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as her symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability evaluation for her menorrhagia from 30 percent to 10 percent, effective as of November 1, 2007, was proper based on improvement in her condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a joint disorder, including degenerative joint disease of the ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, elbows, and wrists that had its clinical onset during or is related to his active military service. The opinion provided by the VA orthopedist supports this finding.

The Veteran's Bell's palsy and associated right eye ptosis are currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. A separate 30 percent rating is assigned for his right eye ptosis.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected myasthenia gravis and a separate initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected diplopia of the right eye associated with myasthenia gravis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected left ring finger fracture and left middle finger fracture.,There is no evidence of any pending formal or informal claim for an earlier effective date prior to December 30, 2005.

The Veteran's left ear disability, characterized as chronic otomastoiditis with a perforated tympanic membrane and pain, is currently rated at 10 percent. The maximum evaluation allowed under the applicable diagnostic codes has been granted.

The Veteran's continuous suffering from bilateral over-use syndrome since service is considered, and the Board finds that this condition was incurred in active service.

The Veteran's spouse is not shown to be blind or helpless as required for regular aid and attendance, thus the claim for additional compensation based on this need is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left testicle loss is service-connected due to a congenital defect, and his seminal vesicle cyst was incurred during service. The claims for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ (left testicle) and service connection for other conditions are granted.

The Veteran's sinus disorder and allergies were not incurred in service.,His pancreatitis claim was reopened, but remains denied. His stomach disability (IBS) claim was reopened and is now considered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury was granted. The claim for service connection for dizziness was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic musculoligamentous neck strain is attributable to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, as well as a new VA examination. The right foot hammer toes status post metatarsal head surgery claim will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied because he is currently incarcerated, which prevents him from receiving such benefits.