Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Veteran's skin disability diagnosed as herpes simplex virus 1 is found to have begun during service, and the Board grants entitlement to service connection for this condition. The issue of sun exposure-related skin disabilities remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, a dose estimate from DTRA regarding radiation exposure, and an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed skin disorder, liver disease, and prostate disorder.

The Veteran was not granted additional compensation for a dependent spouse prior to January 1, 2003 because he did not file the necessary VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Marital Status, within one year of receiving his increased disability rating. The appellant's claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's current lung disability is related to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Board has determined that the appellant's dishonorable discharge from military service constitutes a bar to entitlement to VA benefits based on his period of service from July 1969 to September 1972.

The Board has denied the appellant's request for an increase in her monthly apportionment on behalf of the Veteran's minor child C. due to insufficient evidence and a need for additional information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye injury during service is a direct result of his in-service chemical burn, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected hidradenitis of the left axilla does not cause any limitation of function, and therefore, an initial compensable evaluation is denied.

The RO reduced the Veteran's evaluation for his right femur disability from 100% to 30%, effective January 1, 2007. The reduction was proper as the evidence showed improvement in symptoms and no ankylosis or other severe impairment.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to reinstatement of death pension benefits due to a lack of legal basis under the applicable statutes and regulations.

The Board denied service connection for a stroke with no coordination, blurred vision, and speech loss as there was no evidence of current residuals or in-service occurrence. Service connection for ulcers of the legs was granted.

The Board has determined that the criteria for service connection for residuals of a stroke as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy have not been met, and therefore the claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's exposure to ionizing radiation during service, which may be related to his claimed macrocytic anemia. The case will be referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits for a determination on whether the condition is at least as likely as not caused by in-service radiation exposure.

The Veteran's right foot disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The Board finds that her condition does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cerebrovascular accidents and eligibility for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance and housebound status, finding that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired bowel disorder, concluding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran is seeking an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis of the left great toe. The case has been remanded due to failure to notify the Veteran of a scheduled VA examination.

The Board found that the appellant's deceased spouse did not have service in the Armed Forces of the United States and therefore does not qualify as a Veteran for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spondylolisthesis and spondylosis, L5-S1 are service-connected as they were aggravated by a motor vehicle accident in service.

The appellant is not entitled to any amount of accrued benefits, including for reimbursement of last expenses.