Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking initial compensable ratings for Dupuytren's contracture of both his right and left hands. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records, conduct a VA examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's surgery for a subcutaneous mass in his right arm did not necessitate at least one month of convalescence or result in severe post-operative residuals, and the claim is denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for musculoskeletal chest wall pain, to include costochondritis, and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is granted service connection for her diagnosed costochondritis as it is a continuation of the same diagnosis noted in service.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a diagnosed form or manifestation of spina bifida, and therefore denied his claims for benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1805 and § 1815 based on his father's Vietnam-era service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining the Veteran's service personnel file and sending him a statement of the case (SOC) addressing his claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for restrictive pneumonopathy due to recurrent pneumonia was denied as no earlier effective date is assignable.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training benefits was denied due to the VA counselor finding that nursing duties were contraindicated by his hip replacement surgery. The Board finds additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and possibly a VA examination.

The Board denied increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on his range of motion.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for a skin disorder, finding that there is sufficient evidence to link the current condition to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board found no evidence of a breathing condition or skin condition during service, and the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance is denied as he did not meet the service requirement of having active duty after September 10, 2001.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for panic disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and accrued benefits. The appellant did not have a pending claim at the time of her husband's death, nor were there any due and unpaid benefits.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for VA death benefits as her deceased husband did not have any qualifying service with the United States Armed Forces, and therefore is not eligible for VA death benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg disability, including diagnoses of left knee osteoarthritis and gout, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not establish a causal relationship between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's microcytic anemia is manifested by hemoglobin levels greater than 10 gm/100ml, which do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's neurological disorder, which resulted from an anoxic brain injury caused by his service-connected ischemic heart disease, is now considered service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disorder, including the postoperative residuals of right hip replacement, is being remanded due to questions regarding its etiology and potential additional service records.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's liver disorder is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by any medication used to treat his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including those related to service connection for a chronic disability due to susceptibility to illness and increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.