Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral foot condition and an increased evaluation for vasodepressor syncope (seizures).

The Board has determined that an apportionment of 20 percent of the Veteran's compensation benefits is warranted for his dependent spouse, given her demonstrated financial hardship and the fact that it does not cause undue hardship to the Veteran.

The Veteran's failure to report his spouse's Social Security income led to an overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits, which was denied a waiver due to bad faith.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA ophthalmologic examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any current eye disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected laryngeal nerve damage and vocal cord paralysis do not warrant a grant of service connection, as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected respiratory condition is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his current pulmonary function test results and the need for an addendum to the March 2008 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disorder is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has established an in-service injury and continuity of symptoms since service, but requires further medical examination to determine if any current left leg disorder is related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of his right leg injury residuals and has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also finds that service connection is warranted as the Veteran's current peripheral vascular disease is at least as likely as not caused by his in-service combat-related injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's entitlement to an effective date earlier than March 9, 2009 for the 30 percent evaluation is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for hiatal hernia and esophageal reflux with esophagitis is denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for legal entitlement to the one-time payment from the FVEC Fund due to a lack of qualifying service with the United States Armed Forces.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC due to lack of qualifying service as per VA regulations.

The RO denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC fund due to lack of service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including the recognized guerillas. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective August 6, 2010. The combined rating of his service-connected disabilities is now at 60 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right diaphragm paralysis was rated at 10 percent prior to June 18, 2010. From June 18, 2010, forward, the disability picture does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current respiratory disorder is not related to his service, specifically noting that there was no evidence of asbestosis or mesothelioma. The condition appeared to be monitored and stable over time.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder has been rated at 30 percent since June 24, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on his symptoms of ankylosis with abduction limited to between 60 degrees and 25 degrees.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has ordered a remand to address the Veteran's knee disabilities, specifically recurrent subluxation and lateral instability. The case is returned for further review.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected beta thalassemia minor effective from July 19, 2011.