Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a pulmonary disability as the result of disease or injury incurred during his active military service.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by limited leg flexion to no worse than 45 degrees and pain, does not warrant a higher initial rating. The RO assigned the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent.

The veteran's initial compensable disability evaluation for his right thumb injury is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of service-connected disabilities for the left index, middle fingers, or right thumb. The veteran's STRs do not contain any records of fractures to these fingers during his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and fibromyalgia. The veteran's claim for reopening the low back disability was granted, but the claim for service connection remained denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right eye cataract, finding that the current visual acuity does not meet the schedular criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for service-connected costochondritis, finding that the veteran's disability is manifested by pain, tenderness and fatigability of Muscle Group XXI.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a sleep disorder or a nervous condition. The initial rating for his shoulder disability is also denied.

The veteran's claim for treatment in the VA health care system without a co-payment requirement is being remanded due to insufficient financial information and potential issues with hardship.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, finding that there was no evidence relating the veteran's death to his period of service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. However, the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the veteran's service-connected right thumb scar and his death from hepatoma.

The veteran died in 1985, and the appellant filed for educational benefits under Chapter 35 DEA Program. However, her period of eligibility has expired due to age limits and she does not meet any legal criteria for an extension.

The veteran's service-connected recurrent urinary tract infections with neurogenic bladder, postoperative, is currently rated at 60 percent and the Board finds that this rating is not warranted for an increased evaluation.

The veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of cold injury in both upper extremities. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these claims, given his reported symptoms and history.

The veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is not rated as compensable, but he has been granted service connection for left Achilles tendonitis.

The veteran is seeking reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital. The Board has ordered the VA to obtain missing records and provide a medical opinion on the stability of the veteran's condition, which will determine if he was stable enough to transfer from the private facility to a VA facility.

The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's service-connected disabilities of the right eye and left eye, finding that his visual acuity did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claim for the repair or replacement of an inground pool heater through Independent Living Services was denied. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary documents and ensure proper adjudication.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection of a duodenal ulcer. The veteran's pre-existing duodenal ulcer was aggravated by active duty service, leading to current symptoms.