Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's skin condition of the bilateral feet is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the underlying claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death can be adjudicated on the merits. The VA treatment records from Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center in Amarillo, Texas and any private clinician(s) who treated the Veteran for his fatal brain tumor prior to his death should be obtained.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right lower extremity are currently rated at 20 percent, but a higher 40 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for rectal damage including colon perforation and colectomy, alleging VA negligence during the insertion of a metal stent in December 2008 and its removal in February 2009. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and opinions regarding informed consent issues and whether the Veteran has an additional disability as a result of VA care.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's lower back condition, as the previous VA examination was inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for supraventricular tachycardia is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151, specifically related to the craniotomy and dental treatment he received at VA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lower extremity disabilities is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining STRs and VA treatment records, as well as arranging a respiratory examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for upper airway resistance syndrome will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any diagnosed respiratory disorder.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any bilateral hammertoes present, as well as whether they are related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran is granted service connection for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which he developed due to exposure to smoke from oil fires and other air pollutants during his active duty in the Southwest Asia theatre. The Board finds that there is a causal relationship between the Veteran's cancer and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected hard corns of the fourth and fifth toes with heavy calluses on the left foot is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination to assess current severity and determine if there are any separate and distinct symptoms related to arthritis.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Therefore, she is ineligible for one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Veteran's death was caused by cancer of the tonsil with metastasis to the lung, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease, left hip, has been manifested by limited extension to 5 degrees. The Board finds a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for this condition under Diagnostic Code 5251.

The Board found that the evidence received since the last final decision is cumulative and does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for service connection for a right sacroiliac disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the cause of his intestinal obstruction and loss of use of a creative organ. The issues on appeal will be readjudicated after all necessary actions are taken.

The Veteran's claim for additional VA educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as he has already received a total of 48 months of combined education benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's request for a Government-furnished headstone or grave marker for the Veteran, finding that the grave is marked and not eligible under VA regulations.