Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service does not meet the criteria for basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of wartime service. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right knee disability was denied. The current assigned schedular disability rating of 20 percent is considered adequate, and there is no evidence of exceptional or unusual disability.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis of the feet is currently rated at 20 percent prior to June 23, 2010. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he did not demonstrate definite impairment of health or severely incapacitating exacerbations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower extremity symptoms and considering additional lay evidence provided after the November 2010 VA examination.

The Veteran's eye problems, including cataracts in both eyes and periorbital edema of the right eye, have not been shown to be at least as likely as not causally related to his active service. The Veteran's estropia (strabismus) in the left eye was noted on clinical examination at the time of service entrance and has a history dating back to childhood. His arthritis involving the right hand, right hip, right great toe metacarpophalangeal joint, and cervical spine, was initially demonstrated many years after service.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits for a dependent spouse in the amount of $1,652 was validly created.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification of his eye field vision test results, request Social Security Administration records, and consider the issue of TDIU due to his service-connected left eye disability.

The Veteran's heart condition, specifically right bundle branch block with mitral valve prolapse and trace mitral regurgitation, was rated at 60 percent effective February 9, 2012. The rating is based on the current level of disability as determined by METs values and LVEF.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neurological disabilities of the hands and feet have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The VA examiner found no neurological findings in the Veteran's hands or feet.

The Veteran's chronic respiratory disorder, diagnosed as interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, is related to his in-service exposure to herbicides. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for legal eligibility to VA benefits, including pension benefits, due to his discharge from service under conditions other than honorable.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination to determine if the Veteran is housebound or requires regular aid and attendance due to his stroke residuals. The issue on appeal includes nonservice-connected pension and special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination of the Veteran's right hip due to inconsistencies in the previous examiner's opinion and the need to consider additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected heart disability. The claim will also be considered in light of any new evidence received.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of reopening his service connection claim for urethral stricture and finding that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the April 1989 rating decision. The Board also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death pension benefits due to a lack of evidence supporting her status as such.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as a child of the Veteran for VA death benefits due to her marriage, which is a bar under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for respiratory disability, neurological disabilities of the right and left lower extremities were denied as not related to service or herbicide exposure. The Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicides in service.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal for VA nonservice-connected death pension benefits, and the Board finds that it is appropriate to dismiss this matter.