Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's deviated septum does not warrant a compensable rating, and his varicose veins do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital are denied as he has health insurance through TriCare, which covers the costs of his treatment.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his hip disability was denied. The initial rating of 50% prior to September 10, 2012, and the current rating of 70% after that date were both found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there is sufficient new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymia. After considering all of the evidence, including a December 2010 VA psychiatrist's opinion, the Board finds that the Veteran's dysthymia had its onset during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left knee disability has been withdrawn. The claim of reopening his unspecified cardiac disability was granted, but the Board finds that additional medical examination is needed to determine if he has a separate cardiac condition and whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to clarification of the appellant's representative and her hearing preferences. The claims for service connection for the cause of death and entitlement to death pension will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's herniated disc is service-connected, as it is linked to his in-service back injury.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for TDIU prior to July 10, 2005.

The Board found that the Appellant and the Veteran were not formally married, did not hold themselves out as husband and wife to the public, and thus cannot be recognized as the surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has ordered a supplemental VA examination to determine if the Veteran's dental disorder is permanently aggravated by medication prescribed for his service-connected seizure disorder.

The Veteran's benign prostatic hypertrophy is not related to service, including herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and as such, the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including vitiligo and a left leg rash, is not shown to have been manifested in service or due to any incident of her active military service. The Board finds that the claim for service connection must be denied.

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 the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of cancer of the larynx was denied as there is no evidence of recurrence or other problems following the surgery.

The Veteran seeks compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for chronic deep sacral ulcers as a result of treatment at the St. Louis VA Medical Center from March 12, 2008 to May 19, 2008. The Board finds that another VA examination and medical opinion are necessary due to inadequate previous opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed left eye uveitis, photophobia, and right foot hammer toe with bone spurs.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals by live videoconference.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a brain injury is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right eye infection and herpes simplex keratitis were not caused by or aggravated by VA hospitalization, and thus does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.