Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating to 30 percent for bilateral varicose veins was warranted due to actual improvement in his condition, and thus denied the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA skin disease examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's right foot disability was rated at 10 percent disabling from February 12, 2008, to October 30, 2008. From January 1, 2009, the rating was increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right hip disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's bladder tumors or cancer of the bladder were not incurred in service, may not be presumed to have been so incurred, and is not due to herbicide exposure in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a deviated right nasal septum, finding that the current condition is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active military service. The left eye injury claim remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized dental expenses incurred at a private facility on specific dates was denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the conditions did not meet the criteria for emergency treatment.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Pensacola Outpatient Clinic and reviewing them with a VA physician to determine if they change her prior medical opinion.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent due to limited range of motion and no evidence of instability or other complications.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a right brachial plexus injury has been dismissed due to his failure to provide the necessary information and releases for private medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, claimed as peptic ulcer disease, finding that there is no evidence of any in-service injury or illness related to this condition and that any current symptoms are not linked to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is currently rated at 10 percent, reflecting limitation of motion. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not demonstrate additional functional loss or impairment beyond what is already contemplated by the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected multiple myeloma has been in remission for some time and is associated with normal hemoglobin levels on testing. The Veteran's service-connected loss of sensation of the left side of the face, as a residual of multiple myeloma, results in not more than moderate incomplete paralysis of the fifth cranial nerve affecting only the left side of the face. The Veteran's service-connected loss of the left mandibular ramus, as a residual of multiple myeloma, is manifested by loss of not more than one-half of the ramus, with only unilateral involvement and not encompassing any loss of continuity.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not a veteran and therefore ineligible for benefits from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the appellant's respiratory disability is related to service exposure to asbestos. The claim will be readjudicated after reviewing any additional evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for apportionment of the Veteran's disability compensation payments for children in her custody, finding that an apportionment would cause undue financial hardship on the part of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current borderline personality disorder did not develop during or within two years of separation from active duty service. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of borderline personality disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

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