Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected status post rupture of vastus medialis with slight atrophy of quadriceps muscle in the left thigh is rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting a moderate disability.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support service connection for a twisted middle finger, and the Veteran's current right middle finger disability is related to his service-connected laceration of the right middle finger. The claim for service connection for a twisted middle finger was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for abdominal and pelvic pain, as well as gynecologic disorder (including ovarian cysts and endometriosis), have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating higher than 30 percent for migraine headaches from January 17, 2007 has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The issues of service connection for a pulmonary disorder, related liver and spleen disorders, and lymphoma or lung cancer are being addressed.

The Veteran did not suffer additional disability as a result of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, an error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA medical personnel during February 2004 treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and cervical spines is currently rated as 20 percent disabling for each spine condition, effective February 4, 2010. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection were denied. The Veteran does not have a compensable disability rating for the residuals of a spider bite to the left fifth finger, nor does he have a diagnosed right thorax disorder or diagnosed residuals of a spider bite to the right hand and fingers.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral leg disability or recurrent nose bleeds related to service and denied the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's daughter D.D.G. was added as a dependent effective May 18, 1987 until her 18th birthday. The claim for an earlier effective date for the addition of his spouse S.K. is denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for vision loss and service connection for an aneurysm, which is currently pending due to the need for additional development.

The Board has received a withdrawal of appeal from the appellant, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits in the amount of $14,732.00 due to fault on the part of the Veteran and lack of undue hardship.

The Board has determined that the Veteran submitted a timely substantive appeal with respect to an October 2006 rating decision denying entitlement to compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for a dental disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including bilateral hallux valgus.

The Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including in the recognized guerrillas, to establish eligibility for payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board found no evidence of a current right foot disability or head/brain injury, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.,There is insufficient medical evidence to establish that any current vision problems, headaches, or head pain are related to the Veteran's period of active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for ulcerative colitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of malnutrition, despite severe symptoms and frequent attacks.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service and therefore is not eligible for the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability aggravated his current left hip disorder. The claim will be returned to the Board after further development.