Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right hand disability was denied, and the earlier effective date claim for PTSD service connection was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating based on unfavorable ankylosis of three digits of one hand, and there is no indication that the appeal involves any service connection issues related to exposure to specific hazards.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive neurosis was rated at 30 percent prior to December 9, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current chronic skin disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated therein. The evidence did not show a link between his active service and his current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between the veteran's current condition and her experiences in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury to the nose was denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking any current condition to his active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claim of secondary service connection for extraction of teeth due to the bilateral hip disorder will be remanded as requested.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the VAMC for the issuance of an SOC regarding a denial of reimbursement for unauthorized non-VA medical services incurred in connection with emergency treatment. The case will be returned to the Board only if the Veteran perfects his appeal.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his compensation claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to improper treatment or lack of proper diagnosis by VA Medical Center personnel.

The Veteran's traumatic degenerative joint disease of the left long (third) finger, status post partial amputation, is currently evaluated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA disability benefits in the amount of $7,708.20 due to fault on his part and lack of undue hardship.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen his previously denied service connection claims for residuals of a head injury and neck disorder. The VA will now review these claims in full, including obtaining additional medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding that his current lung condition was not incurred or aggravated in service and was due to tobacco use.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records, as well as a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a Travel Board hearing in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the relationship between her service-connected disabilities and her hysterectomy, as well as an opinion on whether she is unemployable due to her service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed low back condition is related to his period of military service and grants service connection for a low back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, s/p pacemaker implant and presbyopia. The evidence submitted since the previous denial is not considered new and material.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's varicose veins of the right leg began in service and were continuous after service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is related to his active service.