Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, to include a psychosis. His claim for service connection was denied as he did not meet the 'current disability' requirement.

The Veteran's grandson, who was not legally adopted by the Veteran and his spouse, does not meet the eligibility criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board found that the Veteran's current skin disorder, diagnosed as tinea infections (fungal), was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to his in-service urticaria. The claim for service connection for a skin disorder was denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's delusional disorder, which was not service-connected at the time of his death, did not substantially contribute to his cause of death (hypothermia). The opinion from Dr. Spangher supports a finding that the delusional disorder began during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's gout is presumed to have been incurred in service due to symptoms observed within one year of separation.

The Veteran's right eye disability, characterized by symptoms of irritation and less than nominal visual acuity, has been rated at 10 percent for over a decade. The most recent VA examination in July 2010 confirmed the severity of his condition with corrected far vision Snellen index of 20/30 in the right eye.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC fund as he did not meet the basic eligibility requirements due to lack of service in the United States Armed Forces.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hand disorder, including skin and neurological disorders, is being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The case will be adjudicated again after the necessary examinations are conducted.

The Board denied service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the right tonsil, claimed as throat cancer, due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's private medical records have not been received and a sworn statement from another veteran has not been considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a skin disorder, finding no credible evidence linking his current condition to his in-service exposure to Thorazine during chemical testing. The STRs were negative for any complaints or diagnoses related to a skin disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at The University Hospital from June 2 to June 4, 2006 are approved as the VA facilities were not feasibly available and an attempt to use them beforehand would not have been reasonable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psoas abscess, previously diagnosed as Crohn's disease, warrants a 10 percent rating since February 12, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection and higher ratings for his psychiatric disability was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's hearing loss should be re-evaluated to assess its impact on employment.

The Veteran wishes to cancel his appeal regarding whether he made an irrevocable election for educational benefits under the Post-9/11-GI Bill program in lieu of benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill program. The Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claim is related to surgeries performed at VA medical centers in 1992 and 2007, which resulted in a chronic disability manifested by pain, including testicle pain.

The Veteran's left hip arthritis was initially rated at 20 percent prior to March 23, 2007. The current evaluation of 20 percent is maintained.

The apportionment of the Veteran's VA benefits in the amount of $800 on behalf of his spouse and minor child during the period between September 1, 2006 and January 8, 2007 was proper.

The Veteran's left little finger disability, including a contracture and degenerative joint disease, has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began. The claim for an increased rating is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left elbow disability and an initial compensable evaluation for genital warts, finding that there was no evidence of a superimposed injury or aggravation during service.

The Veteran's undiagnosed illness manifested by joint pain of the shoulders and ankles is rated as 10 percent disabling due to degenerative joint disease.