Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals head injury prior to October 23, 2008 was denied as there is no evidence of multi-infarct dementia associated with brain trauma.

The Veteran's spouse was eligible for Medicare benefits and no longer qualified for CITI program benefits. The VA provided the medications until her eligibility changed to a 'Humanitarian Emergency' basis, but she was billed after that.

The Veteran's undifferentiated connective tissue disease with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome was granted a 10 percent rating for the period prior to December 23, 2009 and a 60 percent rating since then.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome is as likely as not related to his military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides during service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant and the Veteran held themselves out as husband and wife, lived together in Alabama after their divorce, and were recognized by public members. Therefore, a common-law marriage is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a brain neoplasm, which is related to his service and exposure to environmental hazards in Saudi Arabia. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's breast cancer was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The other issues were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia is related to his exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board found that cancer of the tongue was not incurred in or aggravated by service, including as due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound, right lower thoracic spine area, with retained fragment, is currently rated at 10 percent and no higher due to the current manifestations of a moderate muscle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his bilateral buttock, right leg, and left leg disabilities have been denied. His diabetes mellitus type 2 has been granted a 10% rating prior to September 17, 2009, but not in excess of that.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of clarity in the March 2010 examination regarding whether presbyopia is a congenital defect or disease, and if so, whether it was aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tongue and throat cancer are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee, effective from September 13, 2004 to January 19, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate rationale in a previous VA examination and the need for an additional opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected calcified granuloma of the right lung base was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence showing compensable impairment of pulmonary function, and thus a noncompensable disability rating remains appropriate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurologic condition of the left side of his face and for a left ear injury with left ear otitis externa, finding that there was no current diagnosed medical condition associated with these claimed symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA home loan guaranty benefits is denied as he served less than 90 days and was not discharged due to a service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the appellant was not permanently incapable of self-support prior to his eighteenth birthday due to physical or mental defects, and thus does not meet the criteria for recognition as a 'helpless child' under VA regulations.