Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing pes cavus, metatarsalgia, and hammer toes were aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrioventricular block, initially shown during service and continuing since then, is a condition that was first manifested in service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral chronic blepharitis with associated left eye corneal ulcers/abrasions and optic atrophy are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the discontinuance of vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code was proper due to the Veteran's unsatisfactory conduct and cooperation.

The Veteran's appeal for disability pension benefits beyond the period August 29, 2012 to February 1, 2014 has been withdrawn. The case is dismissed.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits due to her income exceeding the maximum annual limit, and she did not meet the criteria for need of aid and attendance (A&A).

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's heart disorders, including endocarditis and aortic valve replacement, based on direct service connection. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the appellant's service, and the need for clarification on whether his service qualifies him for VA home loan benefits based on either 90 days or more of active duty or six years in the Selected Reserve.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service from March 1989 to December 1990 was dishonorable for VA purposes, and he is not entitled to receive VA benefits based upon this period of service. The case must be remanded to obtain all records related to the charges and consequent court martial proceedings against the appellant during his service, as well as an opinion regarding whether the appellant was insane at the time he committed the offense(s) leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for neuralgia paresthetica of the left leg was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to improper notification of a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for rescheduling the Veteran's Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the appellant's deceased husband did not have qualifying service for VA benefits, and therefore, she is not eligible for VA death pension or DIC benefits.

The Board has determined that the appellant's income exceeds the maximum annual pension limits for a surviving spouse with no dependents, thus denying her entitlement to nonservice-connected death pension benefits.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral leg disability is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right arm disorder was not shown in service or for years thereafter, and is not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection has been denied.

The Board found no evidence of a skin disorder or sensitivity to light that was incurred in service, and denied the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical examination to determine the etiology of any current lung or pulmonary disorder. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board denied the claim that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected malaria or a psychiatric disability. The cause of death, end stage respiratory failure with metastatic carcinoma colon (colon cancer), is not considered to be related to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the claim of a separate compensable rating for residuals of heat stroke. The left wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Veteran is granted TDIU.