Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's gastric reflux was not incurred in service and the Board finds that it is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for prostatitis, which was previously denied in March 2003. The reopened claim will now be reviewed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA disability determination records. The Veteran will also be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any stroke disorder found to be present.

The claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA or private treatment records and scheduling a VA compensation examination to reassess the severity of the Veteran's right elbow and forearm disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's partial paralysis of vocal cords is related to his military service, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disorder, which was previously denied in December 1996. The case is now remanded for further medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his right hand fracture residuals was denied. The claims for initial ratings greater than 10 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as the TDIU claim, were also denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome was not granted earlier than September 11, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for organic brain syndrome and assigned a 10% rating effective December 12, 1996. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of metallic fragments in his lungs. The RO denied the claim, finding no evidence showing that the fragments are currently causing lung disabilities. The Board finds a need for further examination to determine if current lung conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for varicose veins of the legs as secondary to left varicocele, status post high ligation.

The Board found no evidence of a right index finger disability in service or any medical nexus between the Veteran's current amputation and his military service, including his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying active service and because he was not discharged or released from service for a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for traumatic amputation of the left fourth finger is denied as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's death was due, in part, to myocardial infarction, which is presumed to have been incurred during service as a result of exposure to an herbicide agent. The appellant is therefore granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the head, face, and neck is rated at 80 percent due to extensive scars. The squamous cell carcinoma of his hands, arms, and trunk is rated at 60 percent based on the extent of lesions and scars.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left little finger disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and review of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's daughter, the Appellant, is not entitled to DEA benefits beyond the 45 months established by law due to her academic merit and educational needs. The appeal must be denied as there are no legal grounds for an extension of DEA benefits.

The Veteran's increased ratings for residuals of ACL tear, left knee and traumatic arthritis, left knee were granted with a 10 percent rating each.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his post-operative right hip replacement disorder secondary to traumatic arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated VA examination and retrieval of relevant medical records.