Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for fungus of the bilateral feet, finding no current disability related to in-service injuries and fungal infections.

The Board finds that the Veteran was exposed to chemicals during service, including benzene and carbon tetrachloride. The evidence is in equipoise on whether his current multiple myeloma is related to this exposure. Therefore, service connection for multiple myeloma is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are currently rated at 60 percent from February 12, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met prior to June 28, 2006.

The Board found that VA medical treatment did not result in the Veteran's death and that the cause of his death was not reasonably foreseeable. Therefore, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disabilities have been rated at the lowest available evaluation (10%) throughout her appeal period, and no higher. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of entitlement to an increased rating for either hip disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Crohn's Disease was not present in service and is unrelated to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound to the neck warrants a 10 percent disability rating, effective from August 30, 2002. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure in Thailand and the Veteran's service records do not document any temporary duty or other service in Vietnam. Therefore, the claim for service connection for WM and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma due to herbicide exposure is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left inguinal hernia and hydrocele were pre-existing conditions that did not worsen during service, thus denying service connection for residuals of these surgeries.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury, neck injury, and head injury. The conditions were not shown to have had onset during service or be related to any in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the recoupment of separation pay through withholding of disability compensation payments is valid, and thus denies the appeal.

The Board has decided the appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is no longer valid as the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral athlete's foot and there is no evidence linking this condition to service. As such, the claim for service connection for bilateral athlete's foot is denied.

The Veteran's fistula in ano is characterized by extensive leakage and fairly frequent involuntary bowel movements, warranting a 60 percent disability rating. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are external and mild or moderate.

The Board found that the appellant's spouse did not have the required military service to be eligible for VA benefits, thus denying basic eligibility for death benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a right groin strain is being remanded due to inadequate examination and the need to consider hip and thigh conditions under specific diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to asbestos during service and whether any current respiratory or pulmonary disorders are related to his in-service exposure. The cause of death, which includes progressive pulmonary fibrosis, chronic esophagitis with reflux, and refractory multilobar pneumonia, will also be reviewed.

The appellant is not eligible for VA death benefits as she was older than the maximum allowable age of 23 years and did not show permanent incapacity to self-support prior to turning 18.