Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's aortic stenosis status post cardiac catheterization with pacemaker is not considered an additional disability resulting from VA treatment, and therefore compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection claim for low back disorder, bilateral leg tingling, hip pain, varicose veins, or hepatitis A. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his period of service.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding documents related to the Veteran's clothing allowance request and a separate VHA file may contain relevant information. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of a nasal injury, status post septoplasty did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as they did not demonstrate 50 percent obstruction in both nasal passages or complete obstruction on one side.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neoplasms of the breasts/chest during the pendency of this appeal were not related to his military service, and specifically denied service connection for breast / chest neoplasms.

The Veteran's service-connected IVDS has been rated at 40 percent since August 24, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for cervical and lumbar spine conditions were denied. The initial compensable rating claim for residuals of a laceration of the left ring finger was also denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's skin disorder of the left foot was incurred in service. Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for service connection for a skin disorder of the left foot have been met.

The Board's June 2015 decision denying TDIU was vacated due to an incomplete record, and the case is now remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has been notified by the appellant that she wishes to withdraw her appeal, leading to its dismissal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination. The appellant's claim of service connection for arthritis will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left patellar tendonitis were granted initial 10 percent ratings from December 14, 1996 to December 2, 2009.

The Veteran's death in March 2006 prevented the appellant from adopting E.F. within two years, thus preventing E.F. from being recognized as a dependent for purposes of an award of additional DIC benefits.

The Veteran's step-daughter, F., is being evaluated for recognition as a 'helpless child' based on her permanent incapacity for self-support prior to reaching the age of 18. The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records regarding F.'s residence and household status.

The Board has denied the appellant's request to reopen her claim for service connection for the cause of death, finding that no new and material evidence was submitted.

The claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund is denied because the appellant does not have qualifying military service as a matter of law.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of recovery of overpayment for VA education benefits in the amount of $11,406.66 is granted as it would result in undue financial hardship and defeat the purpose of the education benefit program.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current disability arose in service, and therefore grants service connection for calluses of the feet (tylomata), bilateral first and fifth digits.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the Veteran's hearing request and scheduling a hearing if requested.