Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have prostate cancer and his prostate disorder did not have its onset in service or is otherwise related to service, including presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is related to active military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability is therefore granted.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his left hip strain disability have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 30, 2011 or 20 percent from that date.

The Veteran's surviving spouse died in December 2005, and the appellant is seeking additional accrued benefits to cover her last sickness and burial expenses. The appeal is for a determination of whether $9977.00 in accrued benefits are due to the estate of the surviving spouse.

The Board has determined that the claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits for accrued benefits purposes should be remanded to allow consideration of all pertinent evidence, including completed EVR's and other information submitted by the Veteran in November 2006.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional private treatment records related to the Veteran's cataract surgery. The RO must attempt to obtain these records and provide the Veteran with a supplemental statement of the case if the claim remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected genital herpes is manifested by occasional lesions on the genitals, affecting less than 5% of his body and requiring no systemic therapy. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that no claims were pending prior to October 13, 2006.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left index finger condition and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, effective March 27, 2007. The appeal is not about service connection but rather an initial disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a broken nose, including frequent and severe nosebleeds and sinus problems is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as she did not meet the hardship requirements for living overseas to pursue a PhD in genetics at a foreign university, and her conduct or cooperation was unsatisfactory.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a right eye injury is granted, as the condition is causally related to an in-service incident. The issue of entitlement to a compensable initial rating for migraines is referred to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right upper extremity disability as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. The RO also reduced the Veteran's rating from 20% to 10%, effective March 1, 2010.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund as he did not have qualifying service that would qualify him for the benefit.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund due to lack of qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces.

The Veteran's eligibility for VA educational assistance benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Chapter 30 was denied because his character of service was 'under honorable conditions,' which disqualifies him from receiving these benefits.

The service department has certified that the appellant had no service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including the recognized guerrillas, in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. As a result, he is not eligible for benefits from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service with the United States Armed Forces, and therefore is not a veteran for purposes of receiving benefits from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Veteran's appeal seeking additional education benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is dismissed as her irrevocable election of benefits has not been properly submitted.