Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for cataracts. The expert opinion indicates a strong likelihood that the Veteran's bilateral cataracts are related to his exposure to ionizing radiation during active duty, which is considered aggravation.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to evaluate the Veteran's status post nasal fracture with deviated septum and skin disorder of the neck and face, as well as to determine if outstanding private records are necessary. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal involves a claim for an increase in the ratings for his service-connected partial tear of the left medial meniscus, and also challenges the reduction in rating from 40 percent to 0 percent effective November 1, 2007. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dental trauma (bruxism) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records related to her dental treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected limited excursion of the diaphragm, right chest is currently rated at 20 percent and no higher due to his pulmonary function test results. The disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling for over 20 years.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for periodontal disease and mandibular torus have been denied, but the Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records, including from the Little Rock VAMC. The issues of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, TDIU, and psychiatric disorder are also inextricably intertwined with the left shoulder issue.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have the requisite service to establish basic eligibility for obtaining a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus her claim is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces, and therefore is not eligible for compensation from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to lack of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund was denied as he does not have qualifying service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's eye disorder and whether it was caused or aggravated by his military service. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Board found no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service, and the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not causally related to his military service.

The Veteran's Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) was not shown to be related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between PCT and any incident of service.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to myocardial infarction and arrhythmia due to, or as a consequence of, exploratory laparotomy for gastric cancer. The service-connected disability did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the January 2012 VA examination and the need for further clarification regarding the nature and etiology of any potential gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for cause of death and entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, including a need for updated notice regarding new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for additional compensation benefits based on dependents was denied as the criteria for an effective date earlier than March 1, 2012 were not met.