Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board finds there is no basis under applicable VA law for retroactive payment of compensation benefits properly reduced during a period of incarceration. The appeal must be denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the validity of a debt incurred due to drill pay receipt, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Veteran's service-connected pilonidal cyst residuals are rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective July 21, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The appellant's appeal remains pending and will be scheduled for a hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left midfoot arthrosis warrants a 10 percent disability rating, as it is currently productive of no more than moderate symptoms.

The Veteran's service records do not show any thyroid problems or Graves' disease. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's Graves' disease is less likely than not related to his exposure to herbicides, as there is no evidence linking Graves' disease to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board denied a request for an effective date prior to July 1, 2012 for the award of nonservice-connected pension benefits. The Veteran's claim was initially granted in January 1993 but not paid until July 1, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's corticobasilar ganglion degeneration did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded this case for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Veteran's appeal for additional vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he has already been rehabilitated and employed in a suitable occupation.

The Veteran's left eye pterygium is asymptomatic and does not warrant an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome and arthritis, have been rated at 10% each. The Board has found that the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to instability in either knee but finds sufficient evidence of painful motion warranting separate compensable ratings.

The Board has determined that the adjustment to the Veteran's monthly nonservice-connected (NSC) pension payment made in a May 2013 decision, effective February 1, 2013, was correct and denied his appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for additional Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) educational benefits, finding that he had already used his maximum of 48 months of VA education benefits and thus was not entitled to any more.

The Veteran's bilateral sternoclavicular joint strain has been rated at 20 percent since November 7, 2009. The rating will remain at this level until March 13, 2013, when it was increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a special home adaptation grant has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board granted the Veteran's waiver of recovery of an overpayment of Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) educational assistance benefits payments in the amount of $1,141.43 for tuition and fees due to undue hardship.

The Veteran's service with the New Philippine Scouts does not qualify him for VA death pension or burial benefits due to his status as a New Philippine Scout, and there is no additional service that would allow for eligibility.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to exposure to burning oil wells and other environmental hazards during service.