Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected hairy cell leukemia has not required medication, blood transfusions or any other type of treatment and did not result in a hemoglobin count less than 10 g/100 ml. Therefore, the criteria for a higher (compensable) rating for hairy cell leukemia have not been met.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as spondylolysis and L5-S1 anterolisthesis, warrants a rating of 20 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The evidence shows that forward flexion was limited to 70 degrees with pain throughout the range.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that all relevant evidence has been considered and the appropriate disability ratings are assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of information regarding a refund letter from the cooperative, and affords the appellant's representative an opportunity to review the record.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a laceration have been rated as severe, resulting in a 30% disability rating. The tender scar has not met the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for scarring due to basal cell carcinomas of the nose, right cheek, and behind the left ear was granted prior to February 13, 2012. A separate issue is pending regarding a higher rating as of that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left lower extremity thrombophlebitis and venous stasis ulcers, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim was also denied as unrelated to a service-connected disease or injury.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of restless leg syndrome and the VA examiner found no link between his service and this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected anaplastic extramedullary plasmacytoma of the right tonsil and neck lymph nodes is not rated higher than non-compensable. Separate compensable ratings for secondary conditions such as distortion of taste, xerostomia with frequent urination and fatigue, and dysphagia are also denied.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's gunshot wound with pleural cavity injury, finding no clear and unmistakable error in their decision.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an earlier effective date of June 1, 2005 for the apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits and also denied the discontinuation of her apportionment of the Veteran's benefits effective November 1, 2006 due to the divorce between herself and the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right hand disabilities and determine if he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Veteran's death was due to ischemic cardiomyopathy, and he had been receiving disability benefits at the 100% rate for over eight years prior to his death. Therefore, DIC payments were granted based on this information.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination to assess the Veteran's pulmonary impairment during flare-ups. The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected left phrenic nerve interruption with left hemidiaphragm paralysis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip replacement and right hip flail joint are related to his service, with the onset likely occurring during his active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disorder, including blood clots and varicosities. The case is REMANDED to obtain an adequate medical opinion from an examiner who has not yet reviewed the Veteran's claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired skin disability, finding that the new evidence submitted is not material and does not relate to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right eye disorder is not related to his service, as there was no chronic condition shown during or after service. The acute non-granulomatous anterior uveitis in service resolved without residuals.

The Board found the $265.20 overpayment for tuition assistance valid and granted waiver of recovery. The $545.01 kicker overpayment was determined to be invalid.

The Board found that the appellant's spinal injury, brain damage, and deteriorating spinal cord did not result from service or were not aggravated by service. The most probative evidence concluded that these conditions resulted from a motor vehicle accident outside of active duty.