Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board found that congestive heart failure was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is otherwise unrelated to an injury, disease, or event in service. The Veteran's congestive heart failure is also not caused by or made worse by service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder or residuals of cold injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a brain tumor, increased evaluation for left patella fracture, and separate evaluations for right patella fractures were all denied. The claim for the right patella fracture was granted based on limitation of extension.

The Board found that there are no current residuals of a broken leg and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current jaw disorder and that any discomfort he experienced during service is unrelated to his current condition. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's prostatitis with right epididymitis was rated at 20 percent prior to April 23, 2008 and increased to 40 percent effective April 23, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's lung disorder is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected squamous cell carcinoma, and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's shin splints and TMJ are currently rated as 10 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The effective date for the 10 percent rating for shin splints is June 16, 2005.,The Veteran requested an earlier effective date of December 10, 2002, but this was denied.

The Veteran is seeking additional vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31, Title 38. The case has been remanded due to the need for updated information and records from SSA.

The Board found that the Appellant did not have recognized active military service as required to establish eligibility for Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund benefits, and thus denied his claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's cold injury residuals and Raynaud's phenomenon are not related to his service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ALS and a bilateral circulatory disorder of the legs, as there is no competent medical evidence indicating the presence of these conditions. The Veteran's statements regarding her diagnoses were found to be not credible.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees is currently rated at 10 percent each, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to surviving spouse status for purposes of DIC benefits, reversing an earlier decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his gastrointestinal disorder, as well as another C&P examination regarding his right wrist, right knee, and lumbosacral spine disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also part of this appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the VA has not granted a higher disability rating for his right leg and knee muscle injuries, despite evidence of significant impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a dental disorder due to trauma, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shin disability, including cellulitis and shin splints, is service-connected as it meets the criteria for direct service connection due to continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis of chronic residuals of a right fifth metacarpal fracture. The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right fifth metacarpal was denied.

The Veteran's hip disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their etiology and severity, as well as whether they are related to his service-connected lupus.