Other conditions decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the basic eligibility criteria for a one-time payment from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund due to lack of qualifying service.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendon rupture, with surgery, is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to July 15, 2010. From that date forward, the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating of at least 10 percent for this condition. The left Achilles tendon rupture does not warrant any compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's death was caused by lung cancer, which is a presumptive disability due to exposure to ionizing radiation during military service in the vicinity of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's cause of death is found to be service-connected due to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is granted, but service connection for cancer of the larynx is denied. Basic eligibility for DEA benefits is established.

The Veteran's claim for accrued pension benefits was denied as she did not survive to the next month after her death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral lattice degeneration does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for vasovagal attacks and disequilibrium with dizziness. The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his chronic back strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip disorder existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected fissure in ano is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a rating in excess of 10 percent for recurrent dislocation of the left patella, and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss. The current ratings assigned do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current lump on the right hand, as likely as not, had its onset during his active service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding whether the Veteran's death from mesothelioma was related to service, specifically exposure to asbestos aboard the USS Clifton Sprague or at a Naval shipyard.

The Veteran's request for service connection for a neck condition is being remanded due to his failure to appear at the scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a current and chronic prostate disorder related to service.