Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran seeks service connection for squamous carcinoma of the tongue and right neck, which he claims is related to his presumed Agent Orange exposure during service. The case is being remanded for a new VA examination and medical opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability is related to service, and therefore grants service connection for a skin disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back condition was not incurred or aggravated during active duty service and is not related to service. The VA examiner concluded that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's back condition was caused by his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient detail in the VA examination report and the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange, is being remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence in the record to make a decision on the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the left hand. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records and determine if the Veteran qualifies for TDIU.

The appellant does not have recognized service that qualifies them for benefits from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund as he does not meet the basic eligibility requirements, including being an 'eligible person' who served in the United States Armed Forces in the Far East during World War II.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred at Mt. Carmel East Hospital was denied because the treatment did not constitute a medical emergency and VA facilities were available.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records, SSA disability benefits records, and service personnel records. The Veteran's cause of death is under review.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the eligibility criteria for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational assistance benefits due to insufficient qualifying active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues for a hearing, and no specific decision on service connection or other claims is provided.

The Board is unclear whether the Veteran's Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits were terminated only for the period from July 23, 2010 to August 2, 2010 or for the entire term from June 28, 2010 to August 2, 2010. The case is REMANDED to clarify this and determine the appropriate disposition.

The Veteran's request for an extension of the period of eligibility for Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance beyond August 29, 2010 was denied as he did not present evidence that a disability prevented him from initiating or completing an education program prior to this date.

The Veteran's neuritis of the left upper extremity was initially rated at 10 percent and has been increased to a maximum of 30 percent for the period from March 9, 1998 until July 12, 2006.,The Veteran also filed a claim for TDIU, which is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have legal entitlement to MGIB benefits for an examination taken on October 23, 2009 due to his eligibility period ending on that date.

The Board granted the appellant's petition for an earlier effective date of April 5, 2010, for his election of education benefits under Chapter 33 in lieu of Chapter 30.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of CVA were not shown to be directly related to service or a service-connected disability, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including an anterior cruciate ligament tear and a medial meniscal tear, is rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5257 (instability of the knee). Additionally, his degenerative joint disease is rated at 30% based on severe limitation of motion. The appeal for higher ratings has been granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of basic eligibility for nonservice-connected death pension, and as a result, the appellant is now eligible for such benefits.