Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected neurological impairment in the right lower extremity is rated at 40 percent, which represents moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the residuals of nasal fractures since September 19, 2005. The effective date is set at February 17, 2012.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder was not shown to be related to his service, including exposure to asbestos. The Board finds that the current respiratory condition is not due to or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is unrelated to any event of service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have recognized active military service for the purpose of obtaining the one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and posttraumatic degenerative joint disease, is currently rated at 10 percent under the criteria for limitation of motion. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of her symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on March 8, 2007 is granted due to the emergency nature of his treatment and the lack of feasible VA facilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for neck injuries sustained during active duty. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current cervical spine disability and remands the case for this purpose.

The appellant is not legally entitled to an apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits as his dependent spouse due to the annulment of their marriage and the termination of his VA compensation.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence, including service personnel records, VA medical records, and Social Security Administration disability records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's basal cell carcinoma and recurrent cellulitis and lymphedema of the left lower extremity were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for cardiomyopathy, which he contends is related to his service-connected sleep apnea. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of congestive heart failure and infertility are as likely as not related to his military service, specifically exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lupus and arthritis of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, finding new evidence sufficient to reopen these claims. Service connection is granted for lupus but the issue of arthritis remains pending as it requires additional development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking the pancreatic cancer to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's left little finger dysfunction, status post injury and pin placement with scars has not resulted in ankylosis or arthritis and the scars are not deep, cover an area of 144 square inches (929 sq. cm.), unstable, painful, or cause any disabling effects. Therefore, the criteria for an initial compensable rating have not been met.

The Board has concerns about the validity of the Appellant's substitution as a surviving spouse for the veteran and is remanding the case to determine if she is a valid substitute. The underlying FVEC claim will not be addressed until this issue is resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic urticaria is service-connected, as her symptoms began during active duty and have persisted since separation. The Board also found no evidence of a current disability related to obstructive sleep apnea or lower back strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for VA non-service connected pension benefits as he did not serve during a period of war, making him ineligible for these benefits.

The appellant is seeking an extension of his Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits beyond May 30, 2009 due to unavoidable employment interruptions. The case has been remanded for further review.