Other conditions decisions — 2014

The case is REMANDED to the RO for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case on the claim for an initial compensable rating for tinea cruris. The Veteran's claim of service connection for skin disease of the hands will be adjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Reiter's syndrome was denied because he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with his claim.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of cold injury residuals of the feet and hands have been granted.,Special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status has not been established.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date earlier than November 1, 2011, for the award of a 100 percent schedular rating for thrombophlebitis of the left leg.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate opinions from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's right elbow and back disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right leg bruise was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his left inguinal hernia was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board found that trigeminal neuralgia on the left side of the face was not manifested during service and is not otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cords was completely excised by a total laryngectomy on September 12, 2012. He is now rated at 100 percent for the malignancy and 100 percent for the residual of a total laryngectomy since April 1, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability due to VA surgery performed in May 2004, finding that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle fracture is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability warrants a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional clarification and examination, particularly regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development of the evidence, including scheduling a hearing at the local VA office.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the appellant's claim regarding service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether the malaria residuals caused or contributed to his liver cancer.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of pension benefits, finding that he was solely at fault in creating the overpayment due to his failure to inform VA of his incarceration. Recovery would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of fractured right ring and little fingers do not warrant an increased compensable rating as there is no evidence of unfavorable or favorable ankylosis, nor any limitation of motion.

The Veteran's PLS is granted on a presumptive basis due to the VA Medical Center West Palm Beach neurologist's opinion that it is more likely than not a subset or variant of ALS. His mood disorder with depressive features is also granted as secondary to his PLS. The claim for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder post left nephrectomy remains pending and requires additional development regarding exposure to asbestos.

The Board has found that a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was filed with respect to the October 2008 rating decision denying service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The issue is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and the appellant is not eligible for nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it.