Other conditions Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's atrial septal defect with chronic atrial fibrillation pre-existed service and was not aggravated by military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran seeks service connection for a dental disorder that he claims developed during his active duty service and has continued to cause him problems since then. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records, provide appropriate notice, and schedule an examination.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the relationship between the veteran's current hydrocephalus and residuals of head trauma, which are claimed disabilities, and his in-service car accident. The veteran will also be provided with corrective VCAA notice regarding disability ratings and effective dates.

The Board denied the veteran's request for waiver of recovery of loan guaranty indebtedness, finding that his actions contributed to the creation of the debt and that recovery would not defeat the intended purpose of the benefits. The decision also noted that failure to make restitution would result in unfair gain to the veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's fatigue is related to service, particularly under provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2)(i)(A) and (b)(1).

The veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is likely attributable to his military service, specifically exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for vascular damage to both legs and for higher initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss. The appeals were characterized as encompassing both matters set forth on the title page.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals, thoracic spine injury is not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling mix-up for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The issue of service connection for residuals of a perforated eardrum remains on hold until further notice.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding the nature and etiology of any current respiratory disorder, including COPD and asthma. The veteran should be provided with a VA respiratory examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be decided. The veteran's Social Security Administration disability file and any pertinent medical records must be obtained.

The veteran has withdrawn her appeal, and the case is dismissed as a result.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating for service-connected neurogenic bladder, service connection of erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected neurogenic bladder, and TDIU.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of the veteran's service-connected left patella, healed fracture from 10 percent to 20 percent effective September 10, 2003.

The veteran's bilateral shin splints are currently rated as noncompensable under Diagnostic Code 5312. The evidence does not show any moderate muscle disability, and the benefit-of-the-doubt standard is not applicable.,The veteran's varicose veins of both lower extremities do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7120. There is no edema or other symptoms associated with her varicose veins.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for HIV, as there is no credible evidence linking the condition to service. The veteran's allegations were deemed unreliable and inconsistent with other medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating of left epididymitis and service connection for emphysema and squamous cell carcinoma, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability evaluation for adenocarcinoma of the prostate from 100% to 40%, effective May 1, 2004, was proper due to improvement in the veteran's condition. The veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular evaluation for residual atrophic testicles.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, requesting that VA cancel the appeal. As a result, there is no longer an issue for appellate consideration.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death was due to pneumonia and sepsis with multiorgan failure, which were not service-connected or related to any service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied.