Other conditions Board decisions

The RO reduced the veteran's rating for his lumbar spine disability from 60 percent to 40 percent, effective July 1, 2005.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for agoraphobia with panic attacks is granted, and his petition regarding CUE in a September 5, 1985 rating decision is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for clostridium difficile and an increased rating for lichen simplex chronicus. The veteran does not have a current diagnosis of clostridium difficile, and his skin condition is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury to both hands and feet, as well as his claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound or needing aid and attendance of another person. The evidence did not establish that the veteran had current disabilities related to service or needed regular aid and attendance.

The Board found no evidence of mustard gas exposure during service and concluded that the veteran's current respiratory or lung condition is not related to his military service, including any mustard gas exposure.

The VA has determined that the veteran's fungus infection of the left ear does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as it is not manifested by swelling, dry and scaly or serous discharge, and itching requiring frequent and prolonged treatment.

The Board found that the veteran's current upper respiratory disorder and stomach disability are presumed to be due to his service in the Gulf War, specifically exposure to smoke during active duty. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for low back disability to include cauda equina syndrome with bladder dysfunction, which he claims was caused by VA surgeries in June 1997 and August 2001. The Board has determined that a new examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the veteran's additional disabilities were proximately caused by these surgeries.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for weak joints due to new evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board found that the veteran's abdominal bloating with hernias and liver lesion were not caused by VA negligence or carelessness, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The appellant's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension and special monthly pension was denied because he did not have at least 90 days of qualifying service during a period of war, as required by law.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete in-service medical records and the need for further evidentiary development regarding a lung disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's former spouse is entitled to an apportionment of his VA disability compensation benefits, but finds that the current monthly amount ($200) does not adequately address her financial hardship. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left malleolus fracture residuals warrant a 10 percent disability rating.

The veteran's service does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected disability pension because he did not serve during a period of war.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for glomerulonephritis, as there was no evidence of kidney disease during service or within one year after service. Therefore, accrued benefits based on this unresolved claim are denied.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Largo Medical Center Hospital from January 23, 2004 to January 29, 2004 has been dismissed due to the death of the veteran.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a hearing request. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a local hearing officer at the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left hip pain as secondary to a service-connected disability (bilateral knee disorder). Service connection for pes planus is also granted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right foot fracture during service and the veteran's current calluses on his right foot are not related to his in-service injury. Therefore, service connection for a right foot disability is denied.