Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's current AAA was not incurred in service and symptoms were not chronic or manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation. The Board finds that the evidence does not support service connection for AAA on any basis.

The Veteran's current bilateral foot disabilities, including squamous cell carcinoma and amputation of the 4th and 5th toes of the right foot, are not related to his service. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic myelogenous leukemia is related to his exposure to Navy fuel oil during service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current bradycardia, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for a left foot strain from October 30, 1995 to February 24, 2009 was granted. Since February 25, 2009, the Veteran is entitled to a 20 percent evaluation for his service-connected left foot strain.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, skin disability, and bilateral eye disability. The claims are also reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound to the left hand, Muscle Group IX has been denied as service connection was severed due to fraud and there is no legal entitlement to retroactive increase or additional benefits.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, manifested by syringomyelia and Arnold-Chiari malformation, is currently rated at 30 percent. The claim for a TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities has been granted since December 22, 1999. SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) was established as of that date.

The Veteran's PVD of the right and left lower extremities was rated at 20 percent prior to August 27, 2015. As of that date, his disability warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent for each leg.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claimed skin disabilities are not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II is being remanded due to the need for clarification of a VA examination report.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine and left lower extremity sensory impairment disorders is remanded due to a withdrawal of the appeal for the right lower extremity sensory impairment issue. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and an orthopedic and neurologic VA examination.

The Veteran's chronic myeloid leukemia is found to be attributable to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure during his Vietnam service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right lower mandible condition with the extraction of three teeth, including temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The decision is based on the Veteran's consistent reports and medical opinions linking his current symptoms to his in-service dental procedures.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of medical records and further consideration of the issues.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to a lack of a VA medical examination. The issue of whether his income exceeds the limit for VA pension benefits is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected pleural plaques is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice connected pension benefits is denied as he does not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to lack of qualifying service.

The Board has determined that the termination of DIC benefits was improper due to a failure to properly notify the appellant, and thus reinstated her benefits effective August 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification on whether the Veteran desires a hearing and to provide notice of any scheduled hearing.