Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's ischemic cardiomyopathy, with atrial fibrillation, is service-connected due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. His pneumonectomy residuals are rated at 30 percent based on his lung function tests.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, gram negative bacteremia sepsis due to or as a consequence of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia, was not caused by any service-connected disability. The medical opinions indicated that there was insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the Veteran's exposure to chemicals in service and his development of AML.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection as his sleep disturbance was not found to be related to undiagnosed illness due to service in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of his appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a jawbone fracture, finding that there was no evidence of a jaw fracture during service and concluding that his current condition is not related to service.

The Board found that arthritis of the spine was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's ruptured left Achilles tendon does not result in marked limitation of motion, and therefore, the initial 10 percent rating assigned is appropriate.

The Veteran's right hand tendon injuries have resulted in a moderate muscle injury, warranting a 10% disability rating since December 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the likely etiology of his claimed disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's macular degeneration is not found to be the result of VA treatment, and therefore compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chrondromalacia of the patella and degenerative joint disease, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257. The Board finds that separate ratings for instability (rated as 10%) and limitation of motion (rated as 10%) are warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia residuals and residual surgical scar do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.

The Board awarded service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, and as a result, the appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees from past-due benefits.

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 between them, despite their divorce prior to the Veteran's death in May 2004.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating for his colitis is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran has a diagnosed respiratory disability manifested by decreased lung capacity that is not due to an undiagnosed illness or service connection, but rather is considered direct service connection. The Veteran's private physician provided the diagnosis and treatment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant presented additional lay statements and medical opinions, but these did not create a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the throat, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The Board also found that the Veteran's cancer is related to his in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records from the Veterans' Memorial Medical Hospital (VMMC). The claims will be adjudicated again after this additional development.

The Board denied the claim, finding that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support a pre-existing back defect being aggravated by service. The Veteran's current back disorder was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.