Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral carpal metacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis of the left and right thumbs is secondary to service-connected ankle disabilities, specifically his cane use for his service-connected right ankle disability. The claim was granted.

The Veteran's death occurred before the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides for a one-time payment from the FVEC fund. The appellant is not eligible to receive this payment as her spouse did not file a claim during the Veteran's lifetime.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his terminal condition (carcinomatosis) is related to military service. The claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the February 2003 rating decision.

The Board denied the appellant's request for an extension of his delimiting date for DEA benefits, finding that he did not meet eligibility requirements for admission into a chosen program and that conditions beyond his control were not established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected squamous cell carcinoma, left true vocal cord and gastritis/duodenitis. The claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastritis/duodenitis and TDIU are also being remanded as they are intertwined with the issues of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed alpha thalassemia is a genetic defect and not subject to service connection as it does not meet the criteria for a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected pension benefits is denied as he does not have wartime service.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is not service-connected, and his left knee degenerative joint disease does not warrant a higher rating prior to June 8, 2012, or an initial rating of 20% as of that date.

The Board has determined that additional development of the record is necessary before a decision can be made on the appellant's claim for service connection for total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities (right elbow disability and mood disorder) is 60%, which qualifies him for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in a previous examination and the need for an expert opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ear pain, including its relationship to service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action regarding his initial increased rating for gouty arthritis of the right foot involving the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current right hip disorder is related to his in-service injury. The issue remains on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits, finding that recovery would not be against equity and good conscience due to the Veteran's fault in creating the overpayment.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The appellant's claims of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and eligibility for Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 are being reviewed.

The Board found that a skin disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred during service or as a result of exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right hemi paresis, status post cerebrovascular accident with depressive reaction has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is now established for the Veteran's claimed disability.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 40 percent rating for his T8 compression fracture, effective from February 2001. The claim was previously reduced to a 10 percent rating in March 2003 due to procedural errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed myeloproliferative disorder, including as secondary to in-service chemical exposure, was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not related to any incident of service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current left leg disorder and that his symptoms did not begin during or shortly after active service. The Board also determined that there is no evidence linking his current symptoms to any diagnosed disability, including his already service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy.