Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected multiple lipomas and sebaceous cysts have been rated at 10 percent for over a decade, but the current evidence does not support an increase in rating.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to May 26, 2000, for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD. The claim was raised through informal communication in October 1990 but it is not factually ascertainable from the evidence of record that the Veteran met the criteria for an award of TDIU prior to May 26, 2000.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently manifested interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis are causally related to asbestos exposure during active service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased monthly apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits in excess of $64 on behalf of their child, finding insufficient evidence due to lack of cooperation from both parties.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not entitled to recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes due to her divorce from the Veteran in March 1972.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for additional development of information regarding J.H.'s income, expenses, and assets. The Veteran is asked to provide supporting documentation from J.H., including tax records and a list of her assets.

The Veteran's service connection claim for cerebral atrophy, right anterior cerebral dysfunction with essential tremor was denied as the evidence does not support a finding of chronic disability related to service. The eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected right hallux rigidus has been manifested by pain, limited motion, stiffness and crepitus; he is currently assigned a rating of 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5281.

The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated at 20 percent from January 12, 2010. The RO increased the evaluation to this level based on limitation of flexion and external rotation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development of records from private treatment providers.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lung disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran's left upper lobe cavity lesion with hemoptysis is considered to have originated in service.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for mixed connective tissue disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, and Raynaud's syndrome. The case is REMANDED to obtain medical records from SSA, contact Dr. G.S., and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's left eye corneal laceration rating from 30 percent to 10 percent was not proper, and restored the original 30 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's income did not exceed the limits for VA pension benefits, and thus grants the appellant's claim for accrued benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left eye injury was denied as the current assigned 30 percent rating is the maximum available under applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have service as a member of the Philippine Commonwealth Army, including recognized guerrillas in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Therefore, he is denied legal entitlement to one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for the purpose of establishing eligibility for death benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Board has granted a waiver of recovery for the overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits in the amount of $5,440.00 due to financial hardship and undue hardship.

The Board has granted service connection for nonspecific dermatitis associated with keratosis pilaris, chronic epistaxis, and olecranon bursitis with impingement syndrome of the left elbow. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic lower extremity circulatory disorder to include deep venous thrombosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining information about his periods of active duty and inactive duty training. The VA will also schedule an examination to address whether in-service groin pain could have been the onset of his DVT.