Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the appellant is not service-connected for any disability, disorder, disease, or condition. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU cannot be granted as there are no qualifying disabilities to meet the criteria.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for an increased rating for prostate cancer and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain medical records, determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions, and assess whether he can maintain employment due to these conditions.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for non-service-connected burial benefits as her application was not filed within two years of the Veteran's burial, which is a requirement under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for a foot disability, including club feet and degenerative joint disease. The case will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA hospital from March 27, 2009, to March 28, 2009 is denied as he has coverage under a health-plan contract (Medicare Part A) that can provide at least partial payment or reimbursement.

The Board found that the appellant's memory loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of service in the Southwest Asia Theater during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to conflicting legal interpretations and need for factual determinations regarding the appellant's conviction of manslaughter.

The Veteran's residuals of injury to the trigeminal nerve are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for severe incomplete paralysis. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no indication of complete paralysis.

The appellant is eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits with a beginning date of December 5, 2008. The Veteran's death was due to a service-connected cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma of the face, ears, chest, and back was incurred in service due to his exposure to sunlight during his active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus deformities were not incurred in or related to service, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board granted a schedular rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected groin injury residuals, including varicocele and orchialgia. The case was remanded to determine if an extraschedular rating was warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected left hand long finger fracture residuals, alone, do not render him unable to secure or follow a gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was denied. The VA found that the service-connected residuals of compression fractures of L2 and L3 vertebrae did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for a thoracic back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder of the right hand is not related to his service-connected genital herpes and needs further examination. The Veteran also needs a VA examination for his service-connected genital herpes, as well as an opinion regarding whether he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the left eye is being remanded due to the need to secure additional medical records and obtain releases from private providers.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including malignant melanoma, is being remanded for additional development and examination to determine if it is related to his period of service in Vietnam.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper VCAA notice and obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sinus cancer and service.