Other conditions decisions — 2007

The Board has granted service connection for myelofibrosis as a result of exposure to herbicides. The issue of service connection for atrial fibrillation remains pending and will be addressed in the future.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for perforated duodenal ulcer and service connection for a skin disability. The veteran's perforated duodenal ulcer was found to be asymptomatic, while his skin condition remains unconfirmed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current essential tremors are not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits under the Vietnam-Era GI Bill after December 31, 1989 is denied as there is no legal authority to provide such benefits.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant did not file a timely notice of disagreement regarding the June 2004 denial for disability pension benefits.

The Board found that a chronic disorder of the left hip was not present during service, arthritis of the left hip was not manifest within a year after service, and a current disorder of the left hip did not result from any incident during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a disorder of the left hip was denied.

The veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of VA pension benefits was granted due to the creation of the debt being attributed to the VA, and the resulting financial hardship on the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's skin disorder is related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to the VAMC in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma not having records of a phone call made on October 9, 2003. The case will be readjudicated under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the veteran's service-connected conditions and his current groin strain.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his multi-joint arthritis developed during service or is otherwise related to service. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's deviated nasal septum and sinus disorder are service-connected, with the benefit of doubt favoring the veteran.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected myositis of the right paravertebral, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles was granted. The current rating is 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected varicose veins have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating at any time during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the veteran's calcaneal spurs are related to military service or his service-connected pes cavus with plantar fasciitis.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The veteran's service-connected right buttock/hip disability is manifested primarily by limitation of motion, complaints of pain and painful motion, degenerative joint disease, and well-healed, non-tender scars. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the current 20 percent rating adequately compensates for his symptoms.

The veteran's death did not result in any accrued benefits as he had no pending claims for VA benefits at the time of his death and no unpaid benefits were due under existing ratings or based on evidence in the file.

The Board has determined that the veteran's Castleman's disease is presumed to be caused by his exposure to herbicides during service, specifically Agent Orange.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and arranging for a VA examination. The claims will be adjudicated again in light of all pertinent evidence.