Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's disability compensation benefits payments were terminated due to his status as a fugitive felon from May 16, 2005 to July 11, 2005. The reduction of his benefits was proper and effective on July 19, 2006.

The Veteran's shortness of breath and blepharitis have been granted service connection. The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for carcinoma of the tongue is being remanded due to a lack of direct evidence, but his exposure to Agent Orange during service has already been established. The case will be reviewed again to determine if service connection can be established on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of April 17, 1954 for a 100% service-connected disability rating is denied as the prior rating decisions are final and cannot be revised.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tendonitis, arthritis, and avascular necrosis of lunate due to lack of evidence showing a link between these conditions and his military service. The examiner found that the Veteran's current wrist condition is more likely related to post-service injury rather than in-service combat.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Saint Francis Hospital from January 17, 2008 to January 21, 2008 were denied as there was no prior authorization for the care and services provided. The claimant is not entitled to reimbursement due to lack of prior authorization.

The Veteran's permanent damage to the right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (meralgia paresthetica) is considered a qualifying additional disability due to VA treatment in 2003, and the Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether this was caused by carelessness or negligence on the part of VA.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the claim for nonservice-connected death pension benefits as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's primary insomnia had its onset during his active military service and is granting service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current GI disorder related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefits purposes due to a lack of evidence showing a valid common-law marriage prior to the legal marriage.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis of the feet is not rated compensably, and his heart disorder due to Agent Orange exposure is presumed service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's total hysterectomy with a suspended bladder is not related to her service, and thus denied her claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left foot condition is not related to her service, specifically her in-service frostbite. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that her current condition was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an increased disability rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, service connection for calf pain and knee instability, reduction of knee ratings, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral flat foot with right foot pain was denied, and his claim for a compensable rating for the right 4th hammer toe deformity was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any current skin disability and cardiovascular disability, other than hypertension. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's right ankle bone spurs are found to be of service onset. The Board has also determined that the Veteran may have a chronic gastrointestinal disability and osteoporosis, both potentially related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any left leg or foot disorder, as well as whether it is related to service. The RO will then readjudicate the claims.