Other conditions decisions — 2012

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits based on a higher rate of nonservice-connected pension was denied as she is not an eligible payee under the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current eye problems, including refractive error of the eyes, were not incurred or aggravated during military service and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of prostatitis was denied because it did not meet the criteria for a freestanding claim for an earlier effective date. The effective date assigned in March 2005 is August 7, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or upon housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cerebral contusion. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion on the nature and etiology of any residuals of a cerebral contusion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic residuals of spinal meningitis, but finds that there is no current diagnosis of this condition and thus cannot grant service connection.

The Veteran's current residuals of fracture of the right 5th metacarpal were incurred during his active duty service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right and left dry eye syndrome, Dupuytren disease of the right hand with deformed fourth digit, left hand ganglion cyst, and arthritis of the right great toe. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple myeloma is related to exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for VA death pension benefits as no new and material evidence was received, and the March 2003 decision remains final.

The Board has granted service connection for infertility, which is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease. The issues of entitlement to service connection for skin disorder and adjustment disorder have been remanded due to additional evidence being requested.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to a scheduling issue with the Veteran's hearing. The issues are related to reopening claims for service connection for arthritis of both hands, which may be reopened based on new evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service was in the U.S. Army and Philippine Scouts, qualifying him for full VA benefits since discharge. He does not qualify for the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund as he already receives all benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected lower back disability and its impact on his ability to work. The case may also be referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's congenital platelet dysfunction existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left eye disorder, which includes keratoconjunctivitis, macular degeneration, cataracts and Sjogren's syndrome. The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion in the VA examination report.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence showing a causal relationship between any service-connected disability and the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's larynx cancer, which caused his death, is found to have been aggravated by service-connected conditions. The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents in Thailand during his military service and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.