Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requires an etiological opinion from a specialist in brain tumors. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right heel disorder and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is now entitled to an examination to determine if he has a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's G6PD deficiency was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection. The left testicular epididymitis issue remains pending as a compensable rating is sought.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not legally entitled to educational benefits and therefore, his claim for educational assistance benefits is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen a claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board finds that the contaminated blood transfusion on January 9, 2008 did not contribute to the Veteran's death from hospital acquired pneumonia due to or as a consequence of myelodysplastic syndrome and Tau angioimmunoblastic lymphoma. The Veteran's immune system was severely compromised by his underlying conditions.

The Board has determined that a hearing is needed for the appellant and other claimants due to this being a 'contested claim'. The case is REMANDED for scheduling of the Travel Board hearing at the San Diego, California RO.

The Board has granted service connection for spinal meningitis, but the effective date remains to be determined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right repaired inguinal hernia does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of recurrent hernia or functional limitation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's undifferentiated somatoform disorder is related to active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a GSW to the left thigh involving Muscle Group XIII are currently rated at 10 percent, which is considered moderate impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil due to herbicide exposure is being remanded for additional development, including verification of potential exposure at Nam Phong, Thailand.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for left mandible fracture residuals and zygoma was denied, as the evidence did not show any displacement or functional loss. The issue of TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not rendering him unable to secure or follow a gainful occupation.

The Veteran's current back disability is not service-connected as it was not incurred or aggravated during his active military service. The Board found that the injuries sustained in a 1967 motor vehicle accident were not incurred in the line of duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis and entitlement to increased ratings for his low back disability and right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or continuity of symptomatology after discharge.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosis of keratoconus, and the current low risk keratoconus suspect is not causally related to his active military service. The Board finds that there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms since separation from service.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is characterized by symptoms such as anger, irritability, restricted affect, impaired short term memory and isolation. The disability results in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's right footdrop disability is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating as there are no symptoms or findings consistent with complete paralysis or severe incomplete paralysis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate sleep disorder for which service connection can be granted, as his reported sleep issues are considered part of his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's numbness and tingling in his lower extremities is related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicide agents during service. As such, he is granted service connection for this condition.