Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service did not meet the requirements for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits as he did not serve during a period of war.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorder is not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of multiple lipoma removal, effective from January 24, 2006. The condition is rated under Diagnostic Code 7804 due to painful scars.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly pension was denied as there is no evidence of any prior claims or informal claims for such benefits. The earliest date on which the Veteran submitted a formal claim for SMP, including housebound and aid and attendance status, was June 19, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining post-service treatment records and conducting a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any diagnosed cardiac arrhythmia. The Veteran's service-connected anxiety reaction with conversion symptoms, coronary artery disease, and hypertension are also considered in relation to his current condition.

The Veteran's right patella degenerative changes have been rated at 20 percent since March 13, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was noncompensable.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for epididymitis. However, the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the current condition is related to service.

The Board found that the appellant did not have active military service and therefore does not meet the requirements for VA benefits, including one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals, excision of head of radius with degenerative joint disease, left elbow was granted. A separate rating of 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5213 for impairment of pronation is also granted.

The Veteran's psychosis, diagnosed as schizophrenia, was shown to have begun during service and has persisted since. The Board finds that the requirements for service connection are met.

The case is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference or Travel Board hearing at the RO before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's left forearm disability has been manifested by pain, weakness and pronation to no less than 15 degrees. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on ankylosis or limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides are not recognized as disabilities for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current liver disability and there is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease related to his liver. The Board finds that service connection for a liver disability cannot be granted as the claim fails to meet all three elements required by law: presence of a current disability, an in-service event, injury, or illness, and medical nexus between the two.

The Veteran's right long finger disability, characterized by fusion and limited motion, is rated at a maximum of 20 percent under the appropriate VA rating criteria. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and affording the Veteran VA examinations. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence received.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a right elbow disability and granted it, finding that there is currently diagnosed right elbow status post arthroscopy with loose body removal and mild arthritis which was incurred during or as a result of service.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal on the claim for service connection for a sleep disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and disability ratings related to his service-connected shrapnel wounds involving Muscle Groups (MG) XX and XXIII.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine who paid for the Veteran's burial expenses, as there is a discrepancy between what was stated and what appears in the records.