Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Veteran's calcified pleural plaques were rated at 30 percent effective from August 2, 2010. The appeal was denied as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of death due to exposure to Agent Orange. However, esophageal cancer is not a disease that may be presumed to be caused by exposure to Agent Orange. The preponderance of evidence does not show that a disability related to active service was the principal or contributory cause of death.

The Veteran contends that his current nasal disorder is related to a painful sinus problem he experienced in service. The Board finds the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran has bilateral trigger thumb that had its clinical onset during service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's amputation of the tip of his right ring finger, finding that it caused mild functional impairment and symptoms such as numbness, a weakened grip, an irregular nail with ingrowth, and discomfort and painful motion. The claim for service connection for bunion, left foot was remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and increased rating for his right foot disability, finding that a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to July 11, 2008, was not established.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service discharge is a bar to eligibility for VA benefits due to willful and persistent misconduct during his period of service from May 1970 to June 1973.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses from May 26, 2004 through May 28, 2004 was denied as the criteria for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 were not met.

The Veteran's claim for additional vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied as he had already been found rehabilitated to the point of employability and no longer needed further supplies or services.

The Veteran is seeking recognition of his son as a helpless child due to mental and physical disabilities. The RO has ordered additional medical examinations and records review to determine if the son was permanently incapable of self-support at age 18.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO/AMC for a readjudication of the claim of entitlement to death pension benefits for 2007 and beyond, considering whether the appellant was entitled to such benefits in that period.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new examination to determine if the Veteran currently has any residuals of the in-service left thigh injury and whether it is related to that injury.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's spouse entitlement to VA death pension benefits due to insufficient service, and the motion alleging CUE was also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service for the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have recognized active military service for the purpose of obtaining the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus denies legal entitlement to this benefit.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from September 10 to September 13, 2007 is denied as he had health insurance coverage at the time and VA was not authorized to pay for such expenses.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to lack of qualifying service.