Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for right hip strain evaluated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to address the medical matters raised by this appeal, including whether his cognitive impairment disability is related to service-connected mild traumatic brain injury and if it was aggravated by that condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service as a Recognized Guerilla is not qualifying service for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits, and thus the claim must be denied.

The appeal is being remanded due to missing documents from the claims file, including a 2009 rating decision and copies of VCAA notice provided in connection with this claim. The case will be re-adjudicated after these documents are located or reconstructed.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for residuals of a rib surgery he underwent in service. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining STRs and arranging for an examination, is necessary to properly adjudicate his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his spasmodic dysphonia.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right 4th finger strain with Dupuytren's contracture is manifested by arthritis with decreased motion and pain, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myelodysplastic syndrome is related to his service exposure to electromagnetic radiation from radar systems, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of an electric shock. The Veteran's request for a VA examination was granted, and he is scheduled for one.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's in-service exposure to Agent Orange contributed substantially or materially to his death from esophageal cancer, and thus service connection for the cause of his death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for an advisory medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil and his service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board found that the Veteran's right arm and neck disorders are not related to his period of service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The VA examinations concluded that any current disabilities were more likely due to natural aging processes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records related to the Veteran's narcolepsy, scheduling a new VA examination, and ensuring completion of all actions deemed necessary.

The Veteran's bronchiectasis is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The claim will be re-adjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of an extra-schedular rating. The issues include the increased evaluation for his service-connected gastrointestinal disability and the issue of service connection for hair loss.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to consider service connection for various sleep-related disorders, including potential sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's arthalgia and neurological impairment of the left side of the body, including chest pain, left hand numbness, and left foot numbness are not considered service-connected.,The Veteran's syncope is also not considered service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's back and left leg injuries were not proximately due to or the result of VA carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA in furnishing reasonable care.

The Board denied service connection for postoperative residuals of clear cell odontogenic carcinoma and nicotine dependence, finding that the conditions did not have onset in service or were not related to tobacco use.