Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination in May 2007, including lack of clarity regarding pain and additional limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the appellant's treatment on October 10, 2005, constituted a medical emergency and that VA facilities were not feasibly available to provide such care. Therefore, payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic tear at the medial head of gastrocnemius, left leg is currently rated 20 percent disabling. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a moderate level of disability.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the feet, finding that it is more likely than not related to military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including a right-sided chest empyema with pepto-strep infection, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The disorder is considered to be unrelated to active duty.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is due to in-service Agent Orange exposure and the Board finds that it has been medically attributable to this exposure.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied. The RO granted service connection and assigned a noncompensable rating prior to February 20, 2006, and then increased the rating to 10 percent effective February 20, 2006.

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his lower thoracic compression fracture, which he claims as Scheuermann's disease. The case must be returned to the RO for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic spine disorder is service-connected, as it originated with a fall in service and continues to affect her thoracic region.

The Veteran's current atrial fibrillation was not present during service and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his in-service heart murmur. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's ventricular arrhythmia, sustained status-post implanted cardiac pacemaker disease is manifested by a workload of 9-10.6 METs and dyspnea on severe exertion; without cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation or a workload not greater than 7 METs. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for arthritis of the right index finger, right long finger, left index finger, and left long finger from June 26, 2002 were denied as there is no evidence of service connection or any other basis for granting these claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant's income exceeds the maximum annual death pension rate, and therefore her claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits is denied.

The Board has granted compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for post-operative left femoral osteotomy residuals including leg length discrepancy and external rotation of the left lower extremity with valgus deformity, as this represents a grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's disability, postoperative hemigastrectomy and vagotomy for a duodenal ulcer with resection of the small bowel, is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral venous insufficiency affecting the lower extremities is proximately aggravated by his service-connected diabetes and/or medication used to treat it, warranting service connection as secondary.

The Veteran's service-connected malaria does not present with active disease or residuals, and there is no evidence of hypertension or cardiovascular disorder due to the service-connected malaria. Therefore, a compensable evaluation for malaria is denied.

The Board has vacated the October 21, 2009 decision as to all issues decided other than granting service connection for osteoporosis. The Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints and hypertension and heart disease were not found to be related to his active service or due to VA treatment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's avascular necrosis of the hips is caused by his service-connected asthma and was treated with steroids, which led to the development of avascular necrosis. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional private treatment records, as well as potential extraschedular evaluation.