Other conditions decisions — 2008

The Board has granted service connection for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the right tongue and floor of the mouth, finding that it is etiologically related to exposure to herbicides during military service.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal and thus has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for mesothelioma was granted, and a 100% evaluation was assigned effective October 3, 2002. The decision is based on the severity of symptoms prior to the biopsy conducted on October 3, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for a disorder of the hip based on the combat presumption, as the veteran reported an in-service injury during World War II.

The veteran's initial claim for increased ratings for her knee disabilities was denied in 1981, but she reopened the claim and service connection was established with non-compensable evaluations effective from June 9, 1988. She appealed these determinations.,From June 2005 onwards, a 20 percent rating is granted for each knee, effective from that date.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the veteran's left ilium fracture with traumatic arthritis of the left hip, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and tachycardia, are not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to support the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, including obtaining relevant medical records and SSA disability benefits information.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a personality disorder, but the Board has determined that further development is needed due to allegations of personal assault during military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, finding no evidence of a chronic skin disorder during his active duty service and no medical nexus between the claimed condition and herbicide exposure. The appeal was dismissed as the veteran died before any decision could be made.

The Board has determined that the veteran's esophageal carcinoma is not related to his service, including any potential herbicide exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is being remanded due to insufficient information provided in previous VCAA notices.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for loss of skin, fingernails, and toenails, all claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence received since the February 2002 rating decision does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the Oakland, California RO and transferring of RO jurisdiction if necessary.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic skin disability of the feet, initially diagnosed in service and continuing to this day, was incurred during his active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of bilateral inguinal hernia repairs do not warrant a compensable evaluation, as there are no current residuals other than surgical scars which do not limit function.

The veteran is seeking to establish service connection for head injury and spinal cord injury that are secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case must be remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a personality disorder was denied as it is not considered a disease or injury that can be granted under VA compensation.

The Board has determined that the appellant can be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes, given her continuous cohabitation with the veteran and lack of remarriage since his death.