Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and non-service-connected death pension benefits. The appellant will be provided with an opportunity to respond after these issues are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for varicose veins of the right leg was denied as her symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus, finding that his current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his head injury remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records, which were not available at the time of his previous denial in 1946, should be reconsidered. The Veteran now has a current diagnosis of cataracts and was diagnosed with right eye exophthalmos during service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a nexus between any current right eye disability and service.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to a certification by the service department that he had no valid military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran's medical expenses were not incurred for a qualifying emergency and that VA facilities were feasibly available, thus denying his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for hallux valgus and hammertoes, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a fractured sacrum with a hole in the left hip and a concussion with bruises, finding that there was no credible evidence linking these conditions to his service or service-connected hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for neurological residuals of injuries to the left and right arms was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, presumed to be due to exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service, is being remanded for further development and an opinion from a VA oncologist regarding the etiology of the cancer.

The Veteran's service-connected disability of dislocation, fracture and degenerative joint disease in the right ring finger has been rated at 10 percent since July 7, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dental trauma for VA compensation purposes, finding no evidence of malpractice or negligence in the removal of teeth 18 and 19 during boot camp. The Veteran's allegations were deemed baseless.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current stomach disorder is causally related to his period of service, and therefore, service connection for a stomach disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for clarification from the VA examiner who provided the September 2010 VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran had two periods of active duty service, with her first period being from August 9, 2000 to March 21, 2003 and characterized as honorable. As this meets the eligibility requirements for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the appeal is granted.

The Veteran's chondromalacia, left patella with lateral collateral ligament instability is manifested by full extension and limited flexion to 65 degrees due to pain. The Board finds that the current rating of 20 percent adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran is seeking compensation for complications from a VA left rotator cuff repair surgery, specifically alleging that the VA failed to timely identify and treat an infection. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence regarding the adequacy of informed consent and treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The initial compensable rating for a left leg muscle injury prior to September 12, 2008 was also denied.