Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected postural syncope is rated at 20 percent, reflecting a disability picture that more nearly approximates no more than two minor seizures in the last six months.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an addendum opinion from a cardiologist regarding whether the Veteran's current heart condition is related to her honorable period of service.

The Veteran's fatigue and drowsiness, as well as fevers or sweats, are found to be related to his service-connected conditions. The chronic disability of the joints is also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's idiopathic atrial fibrillation is not service connected due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred in or aggravated by military service, and specifically denied service connection based on secondary to ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his bilateral hernia residuals, including whether each hernia is small, reducible, or without true hernia protrusion. The examiner should also neurologically test the Veteran for any symptoms regarding his left ilioinguinal nerve entrapment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to his net worth exceeding the legally allowed amount.

The Board found that the appellant's residuals of a left tibia fracture do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial evaluation than 10 percent.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease and Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand are not related to service or any incident of service, including an accident in service. The examiner concluded that these conditions are more likely due to the aging process.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right lower extremity vascular disorder, and adjudicating the issue of service connection for ischemic heart disease (presumed due to herbicide exposure).

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right hand disabilities were denied. The Board has remanded the case for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his service connection and rating for multiple myeloma was denied as there is no indication of a prior attempt to file a claim in 1998, which would have established the effective date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding income and SSA payments, as well as to clarify the source of the child's $1,200 monthly pension. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional information is obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service records and VA treatment records. A medical opinion will also be obtained regarding the etiology of CLL.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability level based on the criteria provided in Diagnostic Code 7020.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have recognized active military service for the purpose of obtaining a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied a higher rate of monthly housing stipend for the period August 2010 to December 2010, as ancillary to the Veteran's Post-9/11 educational award.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his request for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

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

The Board found that the appellant's notice of disagreement with the September 2009 rating decision was not timely received, and thus the appeal is dismissed. However, new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen his claims for service connection.