Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, carpal tunnel syndromes of each wrist, a left ankle disability, and hemorrhoids have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and seeking VA examinations to address the Veteran's lung disorder and urological disability.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any current head injury residuals, as there are conflicting diagnoses and treatment records. The Veteran's service record includes a documented head injury during active duty.

The Veteran's peripheral vascular disease in the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, and his service connection for this condition remains granted. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and coronary artery disease are addressed separately.

The Board found that the reduction from a 10 percent rating to a 0 percent rating for left hand burn residuals was proper based on evidence showing sustained improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's pension benefits were terminated due to incarceration for greater than 60 days for a felony. The RO reinstated the benefits as of his release from prison on December 31, 2005. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's debt was validly created due to overpayment of VA compensation benefits during his incarceration. The Committee on Overpayments found no fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith in the creation of the overpayment and granted a waiver of recovery of the debt.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge in August 1976 was a bar to receiving VA compensation benefits for his entire period of active duty from October 1972 to August 1976.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tendonitis of the left elbow is being remanded due to a lack of review of his claims folder and the need for a more contemporaneous examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a testicular disability and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence in favor of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lupus, an autoimmune syndrome, liver damage, and vitiligo due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining confirmation of the service member's exposure to chemicals and reviewing his claims file to determine if any pulmonary or cardiac conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's missing right great toenail is productive of pain and warrants a 10 percent initial evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for ALS and associated disabilities have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's death preceded the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, making him ineligible for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund. The appellant is not eligible as she does not meet the eligibility criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have the requisite service to qualify for payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund, and thus denied her claim.

The case is being remanded due to the need for proper notice and development of evidence. The appellant needs to be informed about the evidentiary requirements for her claim for additional accrued benefits.

The Veteran's emergency medical treatment for shingles was provided at a non-VA facility and covered by Medicare. Since the Veteran had coverage, he is not eligible for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for compliance with a Court order and an appropriate VA examination.