Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has vocal cord dysfunction related to service.

The Veteran's DJD of the hips was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to his service-connected low back disorder. The claim for a higher rating for his lumbar strain prior to August 29, 2008 is denied as there are no incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for an increased rating. For the period beginning on August 29, 2008, the Veteran's disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have recognized active service, and therefore is not eligible for VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding when he first became unable to work or obtain substantially gainful employment based on his service-connected disabilities. The Social Security earnings statement submitted in January 2009 will be considered, as well as any other relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic reaction/allergy to aspirin, claimed as manifested by itchy and swollen lips and urticaria, was denied due to lack of current disability. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of an allergic reaction or allergy to aspirin.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chest pain is being remanded due to the need for clarification of the relationship between his current symptoms and his in-service complaints, as well as further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's nerve disorder of the right leg is related to service or secondary to his already service-connected back strain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left knee disability rating from 30 percent to 10 percent was proper. The service connection for a back disability is denied as there is no evidence showing it is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residual injury from heat exhaustion is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and verify the Veteran's reserve service, as well as to determine if there is any evidence of exposure to toxins during his military service that may have contributed to his death.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the overpayment of non-service-connected pension benefits was valid, as this question is integral to a waiver determination.

The Board has granted service connection for malunion of the second metatarsal osteotomy, left foot, status post surgery, with metatarsalgia of the second left metatarsal and hammertoe deformities 2 through 5. The issue of entitlement to a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence following left foot surgery is referred back to the RO for further action.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran was a fugitive felon during the period from December 27, 2001 to January 23, 2008. If he is found to be a fugitive felon, the overpayment of disability compensation will be addressed.

The cause of the Veteran's death was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's linear scleroderma/morphea was incurred during active duty for training and grants service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for foot fungus, finding that the current condition is related to service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board found that there were no residuals of the fracture of the 2nd metacarpal of the right hand and denied the claim for service connection.

The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of his permanent and total disability rating, which could affect the appellant's eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's head injury residuals are deemed to have had their inception during active service, and therefore grants service connection for these residuals.