Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's left thumb sprain is currently evaluated as noncompensable due to a gap of less than 1 inch between the thumb pad and the fingers, which corresponds to the assignment of a 0 percent rating.

The Veteran was due benefits based on service connection for ALS effective from September 23, 2008. The appellant is entitled to accrued benefits based on a grant of service connection for ALS effective September 23, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder was granted effective September 30, 2009. The Board found that the previous claims were abandoned and thus no earlier effective date is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot condition will be reconsidered after these additional steps are completed.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $3,152 was validly created due to untimely notification of change in marital status. The Veteran's appeal for waiver of overpayment is also addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral shin splints have been rated at 10 percent each, effective May 29, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete service dates and unclear guidance on current apprenticeship training regulations.

The appellant is not entitled to death pension benefits as a surviving spouse of the Veteran due to her remarriage within one year before his death and lack of children from this marriage.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance/housebound status is denied as he has no service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's net worth is not excessive and does not bar him from receiving special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left elbow disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which corresponds to limitation of motion. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's left carotid artery blockage is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7015 for atrioventricular block. The Board finds that his symptoms most closely approximate this level of disability.

The Board found that the cause of death, acute myelogenous leukemia, was not caused by service-connected conditions and did not find any causal link to exposure to oil well fire smoke in Kuwait.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for herpes progenitalis was denied as there was no evidence of systemic therapy or coverage exceeding 5% of the entire body or exposed areas.

The Veteran's active service period from February 2004 to March 2007 was subject to the education loan repayment program under 10 U.S.C.A. Chapter 109 and thus does not establish eligibility for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. His remaining active service is insufficient to establish eligibility for such benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's income and expenses, as well as his medical needs. The Veteran is asked to provide updated financial details and additional evidence related to his household situation.

The Board has found the appellant is eligible for recognition as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of receiving death pension and DIC benefits. The case is remanded for adjudication of these claims.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding potential asbestos exposure and its relation to the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral breast fibroadenoma or fibrocystic breasts have been manifested by pain, soreness, tenderness, and lumps/cysts but no functional impairment of her urinary or gynecological systems. The criteria for a compensable rating have not been met.

The VA determined that the Veteran's cause of death, glioblastoma multiforme, was not caused by or a result of his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides. The Board found the VA opinion inadequate and remanded for further explanation.