Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's alcohol dependence, which was due to his service-connected PTSD, contributed materially to the lobar pneumonia that caused his death. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral hip disability and granted service connection based on chronic symptoms since separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records. The TDIU claim will also be referred to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder did not develop during service and is not related to any in-service exposure. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claim for additional compensation benefits for his dependent child D.E. based on school attendance from January 1, 2006 to September 27, 2006 was denied as the claim was received more than one year after D.E.'s 18th birthday and commencement of college.

The Veteran's service-connected pulmonary fibrosis does not result in any symptoms that would warrant a compensable disability rating. The VA examiner found no evidence of asbestos exposure-related pulmonary fibrosis and concluded the Veteran's respiratory issues are due to his smoking history.

The Board has found that the Veteran's rash on hands and feet is not causally or etiologically related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's additional disability of a retinal or macular hole in the right eye, and any decrease in visual acuity, was not caused by VA care, treatment, or examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected left hand disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 26, 2013 and 20 percent beginning from June 26, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left lower extremity disability, including atrophy of footpads, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeals for DIC, death pension, and accrued benefits. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 30 percent rating for his service-connected nasal condition was denied as there is no evidence of a prior informal or formal claim within one year before March 9, 2004. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the percentage criteria set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and therefore TDIU could not be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of keloid removal are related to her service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral eye disability is not related to service or his service-connected DM, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ADHD and the evidence does not support service connection for this condition, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cerebral atrophy and right anterior cerebral dysfunction with essential tremor are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The appeal for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected mild malunion of mandible with TMJD has been evaluated at a 10% rating since the grant of service connection. The current examination findings do not warrant an increase in this evaluation.

The appellant's claim for VA benefits, including death pension benefits, is denied as L.H. did not have service that satisfies the requisite service for the appellant's basic eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board has determined that the record is inadequate for appellate review and has remanded the case to obtain additional information from the appellant's IVM file. The overpayment of VA death pension benefits will be reconsidered based on all evidence received since the April 2009 SSOC.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to accurately determine the creation of the overpayment and to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's income eligibility. The case will be remanded for these purposes.