Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a skin disease, cranial disability, and respiratory disease.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board is unable to determine the effective date for special monthly benefits due to a lack of records regarding the appellant's heart surgery. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination. The claim will be re-adjudicated after the development has been completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and readjudication due to the failure to provide notice of relevant provisions under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1710.

The Board found that allergic conjunctivitis and dry eyes were not incurred in or aggravated during active service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disorder.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's bilateral eye conditions are congenital diseases or defects, and if they are defects, whether they were aggravated by a superimposed injury or disease during service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 60 percent rating for service-connected idiopathic leukopenia, finding that the evidence did not show the need for transfusions or recurring infections within three months.

The Veteran's left biceps laceration residuals have been rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal malignant neoplasms are etiologically related to scarring from combat wounds sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder, to include cardiomyopathy (non-ischemic type) with tachycardia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's skin rash and squamous cell carcinoma of the ear and actinic keratosis are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran seeks service connection for Hodgkin's disease, claiming exposure to radiation or gas well fires/environmental hazards during his Persian Gulf deployment. The Board finds insufficient evidence regarding the claimed exposures and remands the case for further development including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a torn rotator cuff of the left shoulder with arthritis is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and hepatitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and medical records.

The Veteran and the appellant were not married for at least one year prior to the Veteran's death, or within fifteen years of his separation from service. The marriage occurred less than one year before the Veteran's death, making the appellant ineligible for VA DIC benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the arms, face, hands, and neck, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his skin conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease with infertility is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 7614.

The Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during his time in the Republic of Vietnam. The secondary service connection for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims, including scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed prostate disability and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.