Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal concerns an increased rating for her service-connected right foot disability, which includes a fracture of the third toe and surgery on the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the current severity of her condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple myeloma is related to his in-service exposure to benzene, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's discharge from service under honorable conditions on September 30, 2001, did not meet the legal criteria required for eligibility to receive educational assistance benefits under Chapter 33 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Veteran's left knee DJD, status post left patellar tendon rupture repair, is currently rated at 20 percent and the right hip greater trochanteric bursitis is rated at 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings remain denied.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further appellate review consistent with a Joint Motion, which requires obtaining a current VA examination and addressing whether the Veteran's symptoms are related to malaria.

The Veteran's arthritis was not shown during service or within one year of separation, and there is no direct evidence linking the condition to his military service. The presumption for Agent Orange exposure does not apply as arthritis is not listed under the presumptive diseases.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a jaw disability, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between any current jaw disability and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's inclusion body myositis (IBM) is not etiologically related to a postsurgical infection associated with surgery for his service-connected left ulnar sensory neuropathy, secondary to left elbow trauma. Therefore, service connection for IBM cannot be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's dental disability and cysts in his mouth are not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran did not sustain a gunshot wound to his face during active duty, and there is no evidence linking his current conditions to military service.

The RO denied the appellant's claim for VA benefits based on his character of discharge, which was under conditions other than honorable. The decision is considered final and cannot be reopened without clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture at L3, fracture of the left lamina of L5, and spondylosis are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has some limitation of motion in his lumbar spine but no additional loss due to pain on repetitive motion.

The Veteran's right hip arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the RO has not granted a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's avascular necrosis of the left hip, which may be related to his military service including his use of corticosteroids.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA disability determination records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's other than honorable discharge is a bar to VA benefits due to his military service. The appeal is remanded for further action, including obtaining SSA records related to the Veteran's mental health.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claim, including notification and assistance in the development process. His hearing has been rescheduled.

The Veteran's cause of death was a heart aneurysm, which is not service-connected as there is no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a one-time payment from the FVEC fund as he forfeited all rights, claims, and benefits under all laws administered by the Secretary (except laws relating to insurance benefits).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic pancreatitis, finding that there is no current evidence of this condition and insufficient medical evidence linking it to her active service.,However, the Board granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for fecal incontinence, attributing it to her service-connected gastric motility disorder.