Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's left biceps laceration residuals have been rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fatal malignant neoplasms are etiologically related to scarring from combat wounds sustained during service, and thus grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board found that the Veteran's heart disorder, to include cardiomyopathy (non-ischemic type) with tachycardia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's skin rash and squamous cell carcinoma of the ear and actinic keratosis are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran seeks service connection for Hodgkin's disease, claiming exposure to radiation or gas well fires/environmental hazards during his Persian Gulf deployment. The Board finds insufficient evidence regarding the claimed exposures and remands the case for further development including obtaining a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a torn rotator cuff of the left shoulder with arthritis is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and hepatitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and medical records.

The Veteran and the appellant were not married for at least one year prior to the Veteran's death, or within fifteen years of his separation from service. The marriage occurred less than one year before the Veteran's death, making the appellant ineligible for VA DIC benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the arms, face, hands, and neck, including as due to exposure to herbicides. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his skin conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected pelvic inflammatory disease with infertility is rated at 30 percent, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 7614.

The Veteran's chronic lymphocytic leukemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura are granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicides during his time in the Republic of Vietnam. The secondary service connection for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of these claims, including scheduling a VA examination for the Veteran's claimed prostate disability and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected post gastrectomy syndrome is characterized by heartburn, diarrhea, stomach and intestinal discomfort, nausea, dumping syndrome, osteopenia, weight loss, malabsorption syndrome, and iron deficiency. The Board finds that the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for superficial squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and basal cell carcinoma of the face, as well as laryngitis. The case is now pending with the RO for further action.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability manifested by tremors that was incurred or aggravated during military service, and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's skin rashes and cysts, as well as his stomach disorder, were not shown to be related to service. The Board found no evidence of herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric condition found, including whether it is at least as likely as not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA facility was denied because he had other health coverage (Medicare) and did not meet the eligibility criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request by the appellant.