Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's warts on both feet are related to his service-connected right foot hallux valgus and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left eyelid disability and right hand disability were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his metastatic transitional cell carcinoma, which is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure to radium. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's skin rash and stomach disability. The issues of service connection for a skin rash and stomach disability (including as secondary to PTSD) are in dispute.

The Board found that the cause of death, respiratory failure due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, was not related to service or any service-connected disability. The appellant's assertion of radiation exposure during service was not supported by evidence and the Veteran himself denied such exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including chondromalacia patella and/or patellofemoral syndrome, warrants a separate rating of 10 percent. The appeal for an increased rating for the residuals of shrapnel wound and contusion to the left knee is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed depressive neurosis, NOS is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against finding a left hip disability related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for dental trauma of additional teeth, finding that there was no evidence of such trauma during service and that any missing teeth were due to natural progression or other causes.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral otitis, finding that his episodes of otitis during the appeal period were acute and not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for gout.

The VA has denied a higher initial rating for Raynaud's syndrome, as the condition does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The RO reduced the Veteran's rating for his service-connected convulsive disorder from 20 percent to 10 percent effective July 1, 2008. The reduction was proper as there was no evidence of grand mal seizures in over two decades and medical records did not attribute the Veteran's symptoms to a convulsive disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death was respiratory failure, with nasopharyngeal carcinoma contributing to his condition. The Board found no service connection for the cause of death as there is no evidence linking the cancer or its effects to service. The claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits is addressed in a separate REMAND.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for residuals of contusion to the scalp and abrasion and contusion to the forehead, as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and exposure to asbestos.

The Board found that the reduction in VA compensation benefits due to adjustment for dependent spouse was proper, and the effective dates of the removal and addition of the Veteran's dependents were also proper. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's father did not have qualifying military service in the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, and thus does not qualify as a veteran for VA benefits. As a result, the appellant is not entitled to death benefits.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and he did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected burial benefits as his body was not held by a State or unclaimed. The appeal is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's stroke in February 2009 was not caused by VA care, and thus denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.