Other conditions decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis did not begin in or is related to service. The earliest post-service medical evidence of pulmonary fibrosis was noted in 2007, almost 4 decades after his discharge from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed hyperuricemia and status post left deep vein thrombosis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been due to herbicide exposure. As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to the proceeds of the decedent's NSLI policy due to lack of evidence showing his involvement in his father's homicide.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed fatigue or hypersomnia disorder and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues, including the need for proper VCAA notice and additional development.

The Board found that the appellant owed an overpayment of $13,080.80 for educational assistance benefits due to fraud involving 60 veterans enrolled at RMTU who did not attend classes but received credits in exchange for buying supplies and gifts.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his gunshot and shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and pelvis was granted, with a current evaluation of 30 percent. Service connection for scars of the right thigh and pelvis was also established.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency allowance benefits, finding new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no evidence showing that prior to October 1, 2002, he submitted required documentation showing the status of his dependents.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased disability rating for his service-connected thoracic spine disorder is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a medical examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing tremor disorder did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of dental trauma, specifically teeth numbered 2, 7, 8, 9, and 10, is granted.

The Veteran's right ear otitis media is not manifested by complete paralysis of the cranial nerve, and he is already in receipt of an evaluation higher than the highest possible rating under Diagnostic Code 6200. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's right thumb injury did not result in any residual impairment and denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current skin disability and his military service, including presumed exposure to Agent Orange. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's right leg sympathetic nerve dysfunction is characterized by anhydrosis, mild swelling, increased skin temperature and soreness. The current evaluation of 10 percent does not accurately reflect the severity of his condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of the feet was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and denied the claim.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for rhabdomyolysis resulting from VA medical treatment, but the case is being remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for neurological disability of the upper extremities, but finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection as his claimed condition is not related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right elbow disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic lymphoma is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.