Other conditions Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's varicose veins in both legs arose during active service and continues to this day, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected carcinoma of the prostate in remission, status post external radiation and brachytherapy is currently rated at 60 percent. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of active prostate cancer or other conditions that would allow for an increased rating.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for her bilateral knee disabilities, including degenerative joint disease and instability, are denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim, including obtaining outstanding evidence and providing proper notice.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for swollen feet, a disorder characterized by blood clots including thrombophlebitis, and varicose veins due to new evidence submitted since the April 1973 rating decision. The Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and considering all evidence obtained since the most recent supplemental statement of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right leg/thigh lipoma, residuals of a right ankle fracture, and right foot disorder (plantar fasciitis), as well as his claim for TDIU and an extraschedular rating for right ankle disability. The decision concluded that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his military service. His hypertension, however, meets the criteria for a compensable rating based on its history requiring continuous medication.

The Veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits under Chapter 1606, Title 10, United States Code was denied as he did not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to lack of a 6-year contract in the Selected Reserve.

The Board found that the appellant did not have service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas, in the service of the United States Armed Forces and therefore denied his claim for one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's amyloidosis is service connected as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic urinary tract infections, history of right poly-nephritis does not result in a disability manifested by memory loss that is separate and distinct from her major depression. The current rating for the urinary tract infection disability remains at 60%.

Service connection for cephalgia (headaches) is granted as of August 14, 1974. A higher initial rating of 50% for tension headaches is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a pain disorder with associated psychological features has been granted, and he is now entitled to a 100% rating from January 14, 1992.,For his claim for service connection for liver cancer, additional development is needed due to potential exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was related to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The cause of death is an acute cerebrovascular attack (CVA) due to vertebral artery thrombosis.

The Veteran's left leg disability (meralgia paresthetica) is not considered to be proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right groin growth, postoperative.

The Board denied reopening of the claim for defective vision due to macular degeneration, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The Veteran's preexisting condition was considered to have existed prior to service.

The Veteran requested a hearing, but failed to appear. The appeal is dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn it.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as he did not serve during a period of war.

The Board has determined that the validity of the debt must be addressed before considering the Veteran's claim for waiver of compensation overpayment. The case is therefore being remanded to allow for a review and determination of whether the overpayment was properly created.