Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing aortic insufficiency/aortic stenosis clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, was not aggravated by military service, and therefore granted service connection for the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current residuals of a retinal hole of the left eye are service-connected, as they can be reasonably disassociated from his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations. The VA will determine if his reported symptoms of chest pain, cough, and back disability are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying military service to be eligible for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and therefore remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's election for educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill program in lieu of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program is irrevocable.

The Board has determined that the validity of the overpayment must be resolved before considering a waiver of recovery. The Veteran and his attorney need to provide an audit of benefits received and entitled during the relevant time period.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as she could not be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits due to a lack of valid marriage under Philippine law.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Board hearing and address the earlier effective date issues for tinnitus and hearing loss. The main issue before the Board is whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim of service connection for coccyx fracture (claimed as lower back pain).

The Board found that the Veteran's low back condition is not related to his active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral femoral aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and deep vein thrombosis did not have onset during service or due to a service-connected disability. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by shortness of breath, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a prostate disorder and an enlarged prostate, finding that the Veteran's service treatment records were negative for these conditions. The RO also noted that there was no link shown between the prostrate disorders to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and clarification of her Reserve service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, including seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, was denied as her current conditions are not attributable to military service.

The Board denied service connection for Addison's disease, finding that the condition clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed stomach disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disorder is not related to service and cannot be considered secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral knee disabilities. As a result, the claim for service connection for a right foot disorder is denied.

The Veteran does not meet the threshold service requirement for eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits as his active duty service did not occur during a period of war.

The appellant's annual income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate for death pension benefits, thus she is not entitled to these benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for blindness in both eyes, which is secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, has been remanded due to the need for additional development and review of submitted evidence.