Other conditions Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for a left rotator cuff disability and found that the Veteran's current shoulder disability is related to his injury during active service. The issue of an increased rating for residuals of a laceration of the left ring finger remains on appeal.

The Veteran's treatment was not considered an emergency, and therefore, reimbursement for the unauthorized private medical expenses is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to questions regarding his dental condition and the evaluation for his migraine headaches and chronic daily headaches. The case will be reviewed again with consideration of new evidence, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals from treatment for anal carcinoma were not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or similar instance of fault. Therefore, her claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his scars, status post pilonidal cyst removal was denied. The Board found that the current level of disability did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The issue of service connection for a back condition secondary to his service-connected residuals of gunshot wound of the right buttocks was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of hiatal hernia repairs is granted as her inservice hiatal hernia repairs are found to have resulted in current disabilities.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal through their authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of a VA examination and insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cold injury residuals.

The Court has found the appellant is entitled to accrued benefits for dependents compensation at the TDIU rate for a period of two years prior to the Veteran's death. The Board grants accrued benefits based on this finding.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with VA's duty to assist, including requesting the Veteran's service personnel records and verifying his alleged exposure to Agent Orange in Thailand.

The Veteran is seeking reimbursement for travel expenses related to his vocational rehabilitation, including lodging and meals. The RO has not provided a summary of the applicable laws and regulations in the statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right great toe arthritis and compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left sided abdominal/flank pain due to VA medical treatment are being remanded for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral pes cavus did not have its onset during active military duty and is not otherwise related to her service. Therefore, she was denied service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hammertoe disability is at least as likely as not causally related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's renal disability, diagnosed as IgA nephropathy or Berger's Disease, has not resulted in any compensable symptoms such as edema, proteinuria, or definite decrease in kidney function. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his renal disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear condition, including fungus infection and residuals, had its onset during his service with the U.S. Merchant Marine in the Philippines and has been present continuously since then. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that an earlier effective date for the payment of DIC benefits prior to June 1, 1998 is not warranted as there was no formal or informal claim submitted by the appellant before May 1, 1998.

The Veteran's shrapnel fragment wound of the left thigh, Muscle Groups XIV and XV, is rated at 40 percent since August 28, 1999. The Veteran also has a separate 10 percent rating for sensory neuropathy of the peroneal nerve affecting the left thigh area.