Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for myelodysplasia and pancytopenia, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active military service, including presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes and thus, does not meet the criteria to be a proper claimant.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and joint pains constitute new claims under Boggs v. Peake, 520 F.3d 1330 (2008).

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hallux valgus of the left foot and right foot, both rated under Diagnostic Code 5280 due to residuals of bunionectomies with resection of part of the metatarsal head. The next higher rating is not available as there are no other applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right fifth finger disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 23, 2009. The VA examiner found the condition manifested by symptomatology analogous to amputation of the little finger with metacarpal resection and more than one-half the bone lost.

The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed due to his exposure to ionizing radiation during service, and further development is needed to determine the extent of his exposure.

The Veteran's death was caused by glioblastoma multiforme, which is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's character of discharge for the period from January 16, 1996 to March 18, 1998 constitutes a bar to VA benefits. The character of discharge for the period from July 16, 1990 to January 15, 1996 does not constitute a bar.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for further review due to a failure by VA to properly fulfill its duty to assist prior to the February 2010 decision. The Veteran's character of discharge will be reviewed again, and any relevant documents from his Court Marshal proceedings will be obtained.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left thoracic outlet syndrome is at least as likely as not related to her military service, and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral eye disability, including glaucoma and cataracts, is not related to his service and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left foot fracture, finding no current diagnosis and noting the Veteran's service treatment records did not show any such injury. The Board granted service connection for residuals of a left elbow fracture, attributing it to an inservice fall during a typhoon.,Service connection was established for residuals of a left elbow fracture based on direct evidence linking the condition to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left elbow disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings was granted, with a 20 percent rating assigned for his low back condition and a 60 percent rating for his right foot drop.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing DJD of the bilateral hips was aggravated by his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laceration of the dorsal aspect of the left forearm, extending to muscle fascia, but not involving muscle or joint, has been rated as noncompensably (0 percent) disabling. The separate compensable rating for left forearm ulnar neuropathy has also been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, dental disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision also noted that the Veteran's claim for dental disability was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of gall bladder resection surgery, including abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea, are rated at a non-compensable level. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the current examination report is inadequate for VA purposes and has ordered an updated VA examination to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's HIV and active service. The Veteran should be provided with his up-to-date VA and private treatment records, as well as any additional information needed.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for pityriasis veriscolor due to lack of a formal or informal claim prior to November 27, 2006.