Other conditions decisions — 2012

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow and right hand disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if current disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for low back and right hip disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not entitled to an apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits due to a divorce occurring prior to the effective date of the award and because she is no longer eligible for spousal benefits.

The Board finds that the debt assessed against the Veteran in the amount of $7,675.00 is valid and that the effective dates for removing his former spouse as a dependent and adding his current wife are correct.

The Veteran claims service connection for a left hernia repair, which he alleges was caused by an abdominal injury during his military service. The VA is remanded to determine if the current left hernia is related to any in-service injury and to provide a medical examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service to be eligible for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Veteran's claim for a waiver of overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits in the amount of $10,299.60 was granted by the Board, finding that recovery would be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected herniated disc L5-S1, finding that there is no evidence of bowel or bladder impairment to support an increased rating. The case was remanded for further development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disorder may be related to service, but also considered other factors such as chemical exposure and radiation. The cause of death claim was also addressed.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disability existed prior to his active service and was not aggravated by it. The VA examiner concluded that the condition was a direct result of the Veteran's smoking and weight gain, rather than any exposure during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral otitis media and otitis externa was granted, with a 10% rating being assigned.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperkeratosis of the hands and initial compensable rating for tinea cruris of the inguinal area, including the legs and feet is being remanded due to further development needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to a need for VA examinations and further evidence collection.

The Board found that the Veteran's back injury with neurological symptoms did not manifest within one year of discharge from active duty and was not incurred or aggravated by service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury, which was previously denied in October 2007. The reopened claim is now before the Board for further development.

The Veteran's mild nuclear sclerotic cataracts and vitreous cells most likely related to sarcoidosis and potential lupus have been rated at 30 percent since May 31, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder, including recurrent rashes of the face and inner thighs, is not related to service or Agent Orange exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stress fracture of the left femur occurred during active duty for training and is related to her current symptoms, thus granting service connection.