Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for loss of balance, dizziness, and tremors are not supported by the evidence of record. The medical records do not establish a current disability or link these symptoms to service.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, and there is no evidence of a moderate or marked loss of motion that would warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's skin condition (claimed as jungle rot) is found to have had its onset during service and has persisted since then. Service connection for malaria is denied due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of both upper extremities and left lower extremity is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further verification of the appellant's service in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new information provided.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was entitled to payment for the month of the Veteran's death benefit under 38 U.S.C. § 5310(b), but died before receiving it, and therefore, the appellant is not eligible for this benefit as an accrued benefit or non-spouse survivor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and considering all submitted evidence. The Veteran's appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran's claim for service connection for dental injury was denied as there is no current compensable dental disability. The issue of an initial increased rating for bilateral hearing loss remains in controversy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including providing notification to the Veteran about his spouse's appeal and requesting updated financial information from both parties.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the larynx is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination. The appeal will be considered again after obtaining additional evidence.

The claim for accrued benefits based on unreimbursed medical expenses of the Veteran is denied as it was filed more than one year after the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his retroperitoneal fibrosis and entitlement to TDIU due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left atrial enlargement, diagnosed since service and currently ongoing, is related to his in-service diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse. The Board grants service connection for a heart disorder.

The Board has determined that additional VA treatment records and a medical opinion are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for dental disorder and gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a skull fracture and paraplegia, but has not yet decided whether these claims are granted or denied. The reopening is based on new evidence that suggests a possible link between the Veteran's seizure disorder and his fall from a tree in 1969.

The appellant's service is not verified by the National Personnel Records Center, and therefore he does not meet the legal requirements to receive a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Veteran's service did not qualify him for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to the type of service he had, which is excluded for such purposes. The claim is therefore denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to lack of recognized active military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to a negative certification by the service department stating that the appellant had no recognized guerrilla service in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral Achilles tendonitis. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of his condition and whether it is related to his military service.