Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran died of esophageal cancer, presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam. The claim is being remanded for additional development and a medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected myocardial infarction and stenting have been productive of an estimated workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs, resulting in dyspnea, dizziness, or fatigue. Therefore, the Board has granted a disability rating of 60 percent for this condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for recognition of her sister as a surviving child of the Veteran, finding no objective evidence that she became permanently incapable of self-support before reaching age 18.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Sierra Vista Regional Health Center is being remanded due to the need to determine if any covered expenses were submitted to and/or covered by Medicare Part A or Part B.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and records, particularly regarding the relationship between in-service pterygia and current vision loss.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for essential tremors in the bilateral upper extremities has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal for arthritis secondary to thoracic somatic dysfunction with muscle spasms was dismissed. The Board denied the earlier effective date claim as there is no evidence of a valid claim prior to July 19, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case due to a timely notice of disagreement regarding overpayment of dependency benefits and the need for issuance of an SOC.

The Veteran's right foot fracture resulted in moderately severe disability, with symptoms including pain, swelling, stiffness, and functional limitations. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the period on and after August 21, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for syphilis has been granted, and he is also entitled to a TDIU based on his combined service-connected disability picture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia and peripheral nerve disorder are not service-connected, as there is no evidence to support their onset or aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination and consideration of secondary service connection.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal regarding vocational rehabilitation services, and as a result, the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran died from nonservice-connected causes and was buried in a private cemetery. The Board found that the appellant is eligible for burial benefits due to her timely application and proof of payment, as well as entitlement to a plot or interment allowance given his death from nonservice-connected causes.

The Veteran's death was due to a medical emergency, and he died while hospitalized at a non-VA facility. The Board found that the facts support eligibility for nonservice-connected burial benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right hip disorder is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the relationship between his claimed conditions and service. The claims will be adjudicated again after this development.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the award of additional disability compensation for a dependent spouse. The case has been remanded to determine if any VA facilities at Great Lakes have retained his previously submitted form and to ensure that the new representative, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), has had the opportunity to review the record.