Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service connection claim for leukemia is granted due to his exposure off the coast of Vietnam, which qualifies him under VA regulations.

The Veteran's skin condition other than dermatophytosis of bilateral toenails is not related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim for service connection and also found that prior to January 21, 2011, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or more.

The Board has determined that the termination of VA compensation benefits for the period from September 26, 2006 to February 5, 2007 was improper due to a mischaracterization of the Veteran as a fugitive felon during that time frame. The Veteran is entitled to VA compensation for this period.

The Board has reinstated the separate ratings for traumatic arthritis, right knee with loss of extension and flexion, and instability after October 31, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to these ratings prior to that date.

The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice-connected death pension benefits based on a need for regular aid and attendance, finding that the Appellant lacked standing to file such a claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claim for a skin disorder, which is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's tibia/fibula disability caused marked ankle disability and required a brace from February 22, 2009 forward. The criteria for a rating of 40 percent have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye disability and heart murmur are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's spondylosis L5 preexisted his service and was not aggravated by it, thus denying service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran was not a fugitive felon for VA compensation purposes during the period from May [redacted], 2006 to December [redacted], 2006, and therefore the termination of his VA compensation benefits as of May 16, 2006 was improper.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings higher than 10 percent for left hallux valgus with bunionectomy and right inner ear peripheral lesion, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions based on the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have qualifying service to be eligible for the one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, adjustment disorder or mood disorder that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran seeks payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Shasta Regional Medical Center from June 27, 2010 to June 29, 2010. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is REMANDED.

The Veteran was released from prison in 2007 and notified of his release within one year. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to resumption of nonservice-connected pension benefits as of the date of release from prison, September 1, 2011.

The Veteran's left patella chondromalacia was found to have limited flexion, but not to a level warranting an increased rating. The right hip strain also had some limitation of motion, but did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for pneumonia but denied secondary service connection for bronchiectasis. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted and others not.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disorder, but it is being remanded again to further develop the evidence before deciding on its merits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to a need for a Travel Board hearing with a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's pituitary adenoma was not shown to be related to service, and his bilateral hearing loss disability does not warrant a higher rating. The skin disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.