Other conditions Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining information about his disability level and the basis of his total compensation. The claim will be readjudicated after this information is obtained.

The Board has determined that recovery of the overpayment of VA pension benefits, in the amount of $3,375.47, plus accrued interest thereon, is denied as it would not be against equity and good conscience.

The appellant's appeal is dismissed as he does not have custody of the Veteran's four minor dependent children and thus is not a proper claimant for VA death benefits on their behalf.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of an eye injury incurred or aggravated by service, and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of PTSD should be December 5, 1969, as this is the earliest date it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran suffered from PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected narcolepsy is rated at 80 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal as there is no longer an issue of fact or law pertaining to a claim for VA benefits before the Board regarding service connection for residuals of frostbite of the left and right lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury and for a compensable rating for left ring finger disability were denied. The evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's mood disorder is rated at 40 percent, effective March 20, 2004. The Board finds that the Veteran's pre-service mood disorder was not service-connected and should be evaluated as a separate condition.

The Veteran's left orchiectomy is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted as his disability picture has been contemplated by the applicable ratings criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of a pilonidal cyst are currently manifested by pain, burning, and itching at the surgical site, as well as monthly flare-ups of symptoms, which preclude sitting or ambulation for long periods and refraining from wearing certain types of clothing. The Board finds that the criteria for the assignment of a schedular rating of 10 percent have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right eye condition was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's aortic aneurysm is related to his service-connected status post aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis and insufficiency, thus granting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance has been withdrawn. The Board also granted entitlement to specially adapted housing due to the anatomical loss of both upper extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the revised rating criteria for traumatic brain injuries.

The Veteran's left and right knee DJD have been rated at 10 percent each, with slight instability of the knees also being granted. The current ratings are considered appropriate given her limited range of motion.

The Veteran's surgeries for liver mass, gall bladder removal, and abdominal wall resection were deemed necessary due to the enlarging size of a previously identified liver cyst. The VA did not find fault in these procedures.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of service connection for a disability related to Agent Orange exposure has been withdrawn. The claim of entitlement to service connection for asbestosis is dismissed due to lack of evidence supporting asbestos exposure in service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for eligibility to non-service connected pension benefits due to a lack of qualifying service, as his period of active duty was less than 90 days and he did not have a service-connected disability at discharge. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current lung condition, including a granuloma, is related to his in-service asbestos exposure. The case is therefore being remanded for further action.