Other conditions decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with depressive features is currently rated at 30 percent disabling. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher initial disability rating have been met, and he meets the percentage requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected compression fracture of the thoracic spine with retained foreign bodies was denied. The RO initially granted a 10 percent rating effective May 29, 2003 and later increased it to 20 percent effective July 12, 2005.

The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-existing skin condition did not permanently increase in severity during his ACDUTRA service, and thus does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's lung condition was not incurred or aggravated in service, and the Board found no evidence to support his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to the lack of new and material evidence, thus not reopening his previously denied claim.

The Veteran does not have a loss of substance of the body of the maxilla or mandible due to service, and therefore, his dental disability for compensation purposes is denied.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the right hand, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and was not proximately caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain information regarding the appellant's marriage to G.S.A. and his prior marriage in Mexico, as this may affect her eligibility for VA death pension benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's inguinal hernia, finding that it is a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions are already effectively service-connected as part of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back strain had its onset during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The Veteran is assigned a 10% disability rating.

The appellant is not a child of the Veteran for VA purposes and thus does not meet the eligibility requirements for DIC, death pension, or accrued benefits. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation is being remanded due to the need for further audit and information regarding the exact amount of the overpayment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's spondylosis and levoscoliosis are presumed to have been incurred in service due to their manifestation within one year of separation. The Veteran's left arm and leg numbness were not shown to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for pension benefits was denied as he did not meet the required active service during a period of war.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's loss of taste and smell and his service, including exposure to diesel fuel and petroleum products.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits as he did not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to his service not qualifying under VA pension purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected malaria is not shown to be currently active or productive of liver or spleen impairment, and the Board finds that a compensable rating for malaria is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome claimed as a back disorder.