Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as patellofemoral syndrome and degenerative joint disease, is related to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied an increase for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left femur fracture with three-quarter inch shortening was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5255, as it only provides ratings based on knee or hip disability and does not differentiate between knee or hip impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of an Achilles tendon injury has been denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for breathing problems is pending and will be addressed further.

The Board has not addressed the Veteran's claim for a separate rating for bowel and bladder impairment related to his service-connected low back disability. The TDIU issue is also pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's narcolepsy had its onset during service and granted entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral lower extremity disabilities have been rated as severe (40 percent) since December 17, 2004. The VA has determined that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral eye disorder resulted from his heart surgery, but did not result from VA error or fault. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current pulmonary disability is not related to service, including exposure to asbestos or carbon tetrachloride. The claim for service connection was denied.

The August 1987 rating decision denying an increased evaluation for service-connected resection of the small intestine is upheld as there was no clear and unmistakable error. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 27, 2004 remains denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for leukemia is granted due to his exposure off the coast of Vietnam, which qualifies him under VA regulations.

The Veteran's skin condition other than dermatophytosis of bilateral toenails is not related to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides. The Board denied the claim for service connection and also found that prior to January 21, 2011, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to a single service-connected disability rated at 60% or more.

The Board has determined that the termination of VA compensation benefits for the period from September 26, 2006 to February 5, 2007 was improper due to a mischaracterization of the Veteran as a fugitive felon during that time frame. The Veteran is entitled to VA compensation for this period.

The Board has reinstated the separate ratings for traumatic arthritis, right knee with loss of extension and flexion, and instability after October 31, 2009. The Veteran is not entitled to these ratings prior to that date.

The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice-connected death pension benefits based on a need for regular aid and attendance, finding that the Appellant lacked standing to file such a claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the service connection claim for a skin disorder, which is related to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's tibia/fibula disability caused marked ankle disability and required a brace from February 22, 2009 forward. The criteria for a rating of 40 percent have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye disability and heart murmur are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's spondylosis L5 preexisted his service and was not aggravated by it, thus denying service connection for a back disorder.

The Veteran was not a fugitive felon for VA compensation purposes during the period from May [redacted], 2006 to December [redacted], 2006, and therefore the termination of his VA compensation benefits as of May 16, 2006 was improper.