Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's small vessel ischemic disease was not shown to be related to his active duty service, including exposure to pesticides or mercury, and did not find a nexus between the condition and antidepressant medication. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features is rated at 70 percent from April 1, 2005 to October 17, 2007, due to significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's cystitis was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 2, 2008. Since then, the disability has worsened and is now rated at 60 percent effective from July 2, 2008.

The Veteran's patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5262. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding that his symptoms warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disabilities, including congestive heart failure and ischemic cardiomyopathy, were not incurred during active service or due to any other service-connected disability. The preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's heart conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's thoracic spine disability has not been shown to warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's complaints of paresthesia in both upper and lower extremities have not been attributed to a clinical diagnosis, and his service connection claims for these disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for continuation of a compensable evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, Diagnostic Code (DC) 5003 for arthritis as an active process has been denied because the combined disability rating in excess of 20 percent results from separate evaluations assigned under current provisions of DC 5002.

The Veteran's service-connected neurological impairment of the left lower extremity has been rated at 10 percent since September 2002. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate as there is no evidence of more than mild incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected skin disorder, bilateral dermatophytosis of the feet and occasional candidiasis in the corner of the mouth, is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's DVT in his left leg has been rated at 60 percent since January 1, 2000. The disability is characterized by swelling and pain with stasis pigmentation but no persistent ulceration or massive edema.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia is not etiologically related to service or a pre-existing condition, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for abdominal adhesions has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of moderately severe peritoneal adhesions with partial obstruction.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate his gastrointestinal problems and left hip replacement.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was reasonably discharging his responsibility for supporting his dependent children living with the appellant prior to August 1, 2006. The appellant did not demonstrate an economic hardship and thus apportionment of benefits is denied.

The Veteran's pseudotumor cerebri was not incurred in service, while her dental disability was found to be present at the time of discharge and thus eligible for VA outpatient treatment. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's service treatment records show he had a hematoma under his left eye and irritation of the eye during service. However, there is no current diagnosis of residuals from this trauma. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as he did not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right leg disabilities contributed to his death from congestive heart failure and recurrent colon cancer.