Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran did not have active duty service and no service-connected disability was in effect at the time of his death. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility criteria for nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The appeal is being remanded due to the appellant's request for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected cold injuries of the feet did not cause or contribute substantially to his death, which was due to Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cardiomyopathy is at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus grants service connection for cardiomyopathy on a secondary basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for Reiter's syndrome and separate ratings for an eye disorder and a skin disorder associated with Reiter's syndrome, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease due to new and material evidence submitted since the final October 1968 rating decision. The Veteran's condition is found to be a genetic disorder, which clearly and unmistakably pre-existed service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and updating the record with any recent treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected pilonidal cyst has been manifested by one superficial painful scar that is stable, encompasses an area less than 12 square inches, and causes no limitation of motion. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic scoliosis is currently rated at 10 percent and has been in effect for over 20 years, making it protected from reduction. The VA examinations have shown that the current diagnosis of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis does not relate to his period of service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's medical treatment was rendered in a medical emergency and no feasible VA facility was available, thus allowing for reimbursement.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for varicose veins and IBS were denied, while she was granted a higher rating for her IBS. She also received a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran does not meet the basic eligibility requirements for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits due to nonqualifying service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left eye disorder, finding that any such condition was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current schizoaffective disorder, which was aggravated by his military service in a submarine, meets the criteria for service connection.

The appellant does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for establishing entitlement to the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to a lack of qualifying service.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Kenneth R. Margules and the VAMC Wood, WI.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's notice of disagreement with the February 2008 rating decision was not timely filed, and therefore denied the appeal.

The appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board video-conference hearing.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Therefore, his claim for benefits from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund is denied.