Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria for educational assistance under Chapter 30 of Title 38 of the United States Code (Montgomery GI Bill).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cold injury residuals of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are etiologically related to his in-service exposure to cold temperatures while serving in Korea.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to her annual countable income exceeding the established limits.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for basic eligibility for education benefits under the MGIB-SR and REAP programs.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized by anxiety and panic attacks, warranted a 30 percent disability rating for the period prior to January 26, 2012. For the entire increased rating period, the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's eye disability, including presbyopia and refractive correction, is not service-connected as there was no evidence of any lasting residual arising from injuries sustained during service. The claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's skin cancer, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg and hip pain, including arthritis of the hips, is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's skin rash was not shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not cover at least 20% of his entire body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy was required.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for a contusion of the musculocutaneous nerve of the left elbow and residuals of a fracture of the right clavicle.

The Board found that a current skin disorder did not have its onset during active service or become manifest within the first post-service year, and it is not presumed to be related to in-service sun exposure. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of a left inguinal herniorrhaphy are rated at 10 percent, which is the lowest possible rating under the current VA rating criteria.

The appeal is dismissed due to the appellant's death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed cardiovascular disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a psychiatric disability other than cognitive disorder, not otherwise specified, incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his spindle cell carcinoma of the lung is being remanded due to incomplete examination findings. His TDIU claim is also affected by this issue and is being remanded as well.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right forearm wound are manifested by a deep, stable, non-linear scar to the right forearm that is less than 39 square centimeters in affected area but manifested by pain on examination prior to October 23, 2008, and credible reports of pain thereafter. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating has been granted with a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his employment history.