Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause of death and potential asbestos exposure. The appellant's claim will be reconsidered based on the new information provided by the VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's epididymitis and scrotal cyst are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal bony cysts, claimed as numbness of the hands and arms, were found to be incurred in active military service. Service connection for upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders and unexplained chronic multi-system illness are also granted.

The Veteran's right foot disability, which causes moderate loss of function, is currently rated at 10 percent and the claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to comply with previous orders. The issues of service connection for pituitary tumor, loss of sense of smell, and memory loss are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a stroke is being remanded due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Board dismissed the appeal because it lacks jurisdiction to consider a claim that C is entitled to payment of Dependents' Educational Assistance prior to August 5, 2001.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the rating for residuals of removal of pterygia of the left eye.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any right hip disorder present since September 2008, and to decide whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's unsatisfactory conduct and cooperation with VR&E staff led to the discontinuance of his benefits, as reasonable efforts were made but did not resolve the issues. The decision concludes that discontinuance was proper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left hand disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's spouse was added as a dependent effective January 27, 2010. The Board found that the earliest date for awarding spousal benefits is January 27, 2010.

The claim for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits has been granted and the Veteran is now eligible for these benefits.

The appellant's late husband died before the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, so she cannot receive a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Veteran's cerebrovascular accident residuals are being remanded for additional examination to determine the severity of his right-sided weakness, aphasia, dysphagia, and other stroke-related conditions. The issues of service connection for secondary disabilities and increased ratings remain on hold until all claims have been adjudicated.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, including peroneal tendinitis with chronic instability and a chronic lateral complex tear, has been rated at 10 percent since June 12, 2008.

The Board has ordered the RO/AMC to obtain the Veteran's Naval Reserve records for the period from March 1971 to February 1975. The case is now REMANDED for further development and readjudication.

The Board denied the Veteran's increased rating claims for residuals of a right hip shell fragment wound and scars, right hip. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right big toe disability, including a fungal and hypertrophic nail as well as proximal numbness of the right hallux, is considered service-connected due to injury incurred during active military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to pneumonia and myocardial infarction, was not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.