Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity and all manifestations of his service-connected cold injury residuals to his right and left ears. All relevant medical records should also be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected traumatic amputation of the right index and middle fingers, as well as unfavorable ankylosis of the right ring and little fingers, have been denied. The highest possible schedular ratings are already in place.,Special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right hand is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of injury to the left hand has been reopened and granted. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, but a separate rating of 10 percent is assigned for dysthymic disorder. TDIU is also granted.

The Board determined that the Veteran's residuals of a total abdominal hysterectomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy are not related to her service and denied her claim.

The Board found that the evidence does not show a causal relationship between the Veteran's service and his benign vascular neoplasm, thus denying service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic cough, including as secondary to asbestos exposure. This includes obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting another VA examination, and assessing the etiology of any current respiratory condition.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the October 1988 RO decision does not constitute new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to death benefits from VA, as it fails to address the second element required for a surviving spouse status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral facial palsy of the 5th and 7th cranial nerves, as well as headaches associated with TMJ, have been granted. The Veteran is now rated at 10% for each condition.

The Board has determined that further action is needed to evaluate the Veteran's somatoform disorder and determine his eligibility for a TDIU. The RO must arrange for examinations, obtain additional records, and adjudicate the claims in accordance with the instructions provided.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for panic disorder with agoraphobia and a TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations, development of records, and consideration of whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx is related to his in-service herbicide exposure and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's prostate disorder to his service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and need for further medical opinion regarding the cause of death and whether service-connected conditions contributed to it.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment was found to be timely, and the appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected thoracic spine disability, including its interplay with post-service motor vehicle accident injuries. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining in-patient records and service personnel records. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for calcaneal spurs of the left and right feet are being remanded due to the need for a Compensation and Pension examination.

The appellant withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to waiver of overpayment in the amount of $1830.00, and thus the case has been dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's request for additional VA compensation based on his daughter's school attendance was denied because the claim was not filed within one year of her 18th birthday.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure in Korea, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his claimed exposure.