Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The RO has granted a 70 percent evaluation for the disability effective May 21, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran did not suffer a head injury or concussion during service and that his current headaches are not related to service. As such, the claim for residuals of concussions is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance was not received by VA until July 19, 2007. The appellant attempted to establish earlier receipt of the claim but provided insufficient credible evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of residuals of a CVA due to new and material evidence submitted since the April 2002 rating decision. However, the Board found that there is no medical evidence linking the current disability to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board found that the evidence received since the November 1972 decision does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for VA benefit payments based on the character of discharge, and thus the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, characterized by severe degenerative arthritis and ankylosis, has been rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5214 (unfavorable ankylosis in any degree of palmar flexion or with ulnar or radial deviation).

The Veteran's disability compensation benefits payments were terminated due to his status as a fugitive felon from May 16, 2005 to July 11, 2005. The reduction of his benefits was proper and effective on July 19, 2006.

The Veteran's shortness of breath and blepharitis have been granted service connection. The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoma of the tongue is being remanded due to a lack of direct evidence, but his exposure to Agent Orange during service has already been established. The case will be reviewed again to determine if service connection can be established on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of April 17, 1954 for a 100% service-connected disability rating is denied as the prior rating decisions are final and cannot be revised.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tendonitis, arthritis, and avascular necrosis of lunate due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service. The examiner found that the Veteran's current wrist condition is more likely related to post-service injury rather than in-service combat.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Saint Francis Hospital from January 17, 2008 to January 21, 2008 were denied as there was no prior authorization for the care and services provided. The claimant is not entitled to reimbursement due to lack of prior authorization.

The Veteran's permanent damage to the right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (meralgia paresthetica) is considered a qualifying additional disability due to VA treatment in 2003, and the Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether this was caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's primary insomnia had its onset during his active military service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current GI disorder related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes due to a lack of evidence showing a valid common-law marriage prior to the legal marriage.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis of the feet is not rated compensably, and his heart disorder due to Agent Orange exposure is presumed service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's total hysterectomy with a suspended bladder is not related to her service, and thus denied her claim.