Other conditions decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. 'P.G.' Memorial Research & Medical Center and Dr. 'N.G.', and providing an expert opinion on whether peptic ulcer disease or atherosclerotic heart disease contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of October 18, 2004 for the award of a 10 percent evaluation for residuals, flash burns of both eyes.

The Board found that the reduction in Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) training time effective from March 5, 2008 was proper and created an overpayment of benefits. The appellant's claim for restoration of full-time educational benefits is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left mandibular neuralgia is manifested by constant left jaw and facial pain, reduced sensation in the left face, and interference with feeding. The disability picture more nearly approximates severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the etiology of the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, including whether it is related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as due to asbestos exposure, has been resolved in his favor with the grant of service connection for restrictive lung disease. The appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues or disputes.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he died during the pendency of his claims for service connection for multiple myeloma and lung disability due to exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing VCAA notice.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right hand fracture, which approximates his disability picture. The effective date is not specified as it was granted under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.30.

The Veteran's residuals of ventral hernia repair, other than scarring, are rated at 100 percent due to the persistent and inoperable nature of his condition.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for status post penetrating injury to the left thigh muscle with scarring is March 26, 1971.

The Board has granted service connection for Sydenham's chorea, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service illness. Service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever was denied.

The Veteran claims service connection for a genitourinary disorder, which he alleges is related to a groin injury sustained during military service. The claim will be remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board found that the Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the esophagus was not caused by his exposure to Agent Orange and denied service connection for cause of death. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was also denied as there is no evidence showing a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection is being remanded due to the submission of additional records that may affect the determination.

The Veteran does not have any additional disabilities as a result of VA treatment in 2002 and 2007, which may be considered to be proximately due to VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, including a fracture of the right great toe, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim, finding that his left deviated nasal septum with consequent airway obstruction was incurred in service. The decision is based on a combination of medical evidence and lay testimony supporting this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient development of the record, particularly regarding the severity and extent of his service-connected basal cell carcinoma scars. The case will be returned for further examination and consideration.