Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for duodenal ulcer from August 22, 2007 to October 25, 2012 on an extraschedular basis is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Board found that the service-connected left zygoma fracture residuals did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as there was no evidence of displacement or malunion/nonunion of the maxilla.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with postoperative residuals of a Nissen fundoplication and gas bloat syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA respiratory examination to assess the current extent of his respiratory disability and its relationship to service-connected disseminated blastomycosis. The Veteran must be given an opportunity to report for this examination.

The Board found that the appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, leading to termination of her non-service connected death pension benefits.

The Veteran's stomach disability, including abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and peptic ulceration, was not caused by the November 2004 cyst gastrostomy performed by VA. The Board found no evidence of carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The appellant is not eligible for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to her husband's death prior to the creation of the fund.

The Veteran's current tooth loss is attributed to periodontal disease, not the in-service trauma. The Board finds that his statements regarding a nexus between his service and his current condition are not competent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple myeloma is related to his military service, specifically exposure to ionizing radiation while working as an electrician on nuclear-powered submarines. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran claims that his current diagnosis of HIV is related to symptoms he experienced during active duty, including abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues. The VA examiner found no direct link between the service-related conditions and the currently diagnosed HIV.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the appellant's marital status and her application for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits. The appellant must provide additional evidence related to these matters.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left inguinal hernias, finding new and material evidence. The Board then granted service connection based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia patella disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the right knee receiving a separate rating for instability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of his education file and VA treatment records. He seeks VR&E benefits related to his graduate-level education.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board found that the character of the appellant's discharge from his period of service does not constitute a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claims for entitlement to service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right submandibular area and lower lip cancer, as well as an increased rating for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal of the claim for an evaluation in excess of 0 percent for loose body, left great toe, secondary to trauma; degenerative changes on MRI is dismissed.

The Veteran's left foot disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and his right foot disability prior to September 22, 2010 was also evaluated as 10 percent. As of September 22, 2010, the Veteran's right foot disability has been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial compensable rating for right leg shortening was not met, as the leg length discrepancy did not reach the required threshold.