Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was not shown to be related to his service, including exposure to herbicides or other chemicals. The claim was granted as new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed residuals of head trauma were not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for traumatic spondylolysis with secondary spondylolisthesis is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical evidence and ensure that the claims file contains all relevant documents.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary regarding the appellant's claim for educational assistance under Chapter 33, Title 38, United States Code (Post-9/11 GI Bill). The AOJ must contact DoD to clarify whether the Veteran's service from March 2005 to September 2005 and October 2005 to February 2006 qualifies for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

The Veteran's periodic accelerated heart rate has been determined to be a sign or symptom of an undiagnosed illness, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claim for an increased rating for multiple symptomatic peripheral joints and chest wall pain was not granted. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on hearing loss of the right ear.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund as it is final and binding.

The Veteran's residuals from a radical retropubic prostatectomy caused voiding dysfunction and incontinence, requiring the wearing of absorbent materials that had to be changed more than four times per day. A 40 percent rating is granted for this period.

The case is being remanded to allow the appellant to present testimony at a videoconference hearing before the Board due to her inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for her service-connected Graves' Disease, and the RO/AMC needs to schedule a VA examination to assess the current severity of her condition. The appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to hazardous chemicals during service, and a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if such exposure contributed to his death from acute myelocytic leukemia.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a right thumb injury was denied as the pre-existing condition did not increase in severity during service beyond its natural progression. The lumbar spine disability claim is pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the St. Petersburg VA RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sickle cell anemia is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left second hammer toe, finding that there is clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting condition aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional information regarding treatment records from Dr. Knox.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of documentation regarding the Veteran's Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) application and communications with the authorizing official from the VAMC. The claim will be reconsidered after these documents are obtained.

The Veteran is seeking an extension of the delimiting date for education assistance benefits under Chapter 30, Title 38, United States Code (Montgomery GI Bill) beyond August 18, 1999. The RO will need to obtain medical records and determine if the appellant's mental disabilities prevented him from beginning or resuming a chosen program of education.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he has no legal entitlement to additional VA educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) provision beyond what he already received.