Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's right second finger disability was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on limitation of motion or functional impairment. The current rating is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his current respiratory symptoms associated with service-connected pleural plaques, including pulmonary function tests.

The Veteran's service connection claim for arthritis of the right and left hip is granted. The issues of increased ratings for stress fractures in both lower extremities are dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed disability manifested by bilateral calf or leg pain, apart from his already service-connected low back and left ankle disabilities. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for residuals of stress fractures of the right and left tibia have been denied as his disabilities do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's ex-wife is denied recognition as his surviving spouse for VA DIC and death pension benefits purposes, and also denied entitlement to accrued benefits.

The Veteran does not have a current disability of restless leg syndrome and the Board finds that it was not incurred or aggravated by service, including as secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board found that the Veteran was not a fugitive felon during the period from December 27, 2001, and thus reinstated his VA disability compensation.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for multiple joint pain and esophagogastric disorder have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran has an undiagnosed illness manifested by multiple joint pain, to exclude lumbar spine and bilateral knee pain, which is related to his Persian Gulf War service. Additionally, it was determined that the Veteran's esophagogastric disorders are proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a compensable dental disability for which service connection can be granted, and thus denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical evidence establishing a causal nexus between the Veteran's diagnosed peripheral neuropathy and his service-connected low back disability. The VA examiner will be asked to determine if there is a causal relationship between the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity and upper extremity disabilities and his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DUB, which resulted in a total abdominal hysterectomy, is at least as likely as not related to her period of active service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his pension benefits, finding that the earliest possible effective date was the date of his original application.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck disorder and disorder manifested by syncopal episodes are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's postoperative ventral hernia is rated as 20 percent disabling, effective March 30, 2007. Service connection for a surgical scar related to the service-connected postoperative ventral hernia is also granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a nasal condition with breathing difficulties. The Veteran's current deviated septum is related to his military service, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for left varicocele is denied as the evidence does not show any voiding or renal dysfunction that would warrant such an evaluation. The claim for service connection for bilateral foot disability remains denied as no new and material evidence has been received.

The Board found that the Veteran's atypical psychosis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The RO/AMC needs to schedule the Veteran for this hearing and notify him of the date, time, and location.

The Veteran died before the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. As such, the appellant is not eligible for this benefit.