Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a borderline umbilical hernia, bladder infections, or abdominal bruising. The sagging skin is considered service-connected as it was present during service and resolved after service.,While the Veteran reported constipation since service, there is no evidence of chronic constipation in service records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder and esophageal lesions, to include as secondary to PTSD, is being remanded due to outstanding medical records and the need for an additional medical opinion regarding direct service connection.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining the appellant's VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities alone preclude him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing on the issue of entitlement to clothing allowance.

The Board has remanded the case for further investigation and readjudication due to concerns about participation in a fraudulent scheme involving educational benefits.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral pain syndrome, was granted a 60 percent rating effective March 1, 2012. A separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee was granted from March 2, 2009 to March 1, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, finding that there was no evidence of asbestos exposure during service and no current disability related to service. The examiner concluded that any diagnosed conditions were not due to service or asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected restrictive airway disease (RAD) has not met the criteria for a higher rating, and his other service-connected conditions have also not met their respective criteria.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for allergies and anemia has been withdrawn. The remaining issue, regarding a higher rating for CAD, will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's spouse is not in need of aid and attendance, and the claim for retroactive benefits for chronic lymphocytic leukemia is denied as there is no evidence indicating that the Veteran was diagnosed with this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of his fractured mandible residuals is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's death was not recognized as a surviving spouse for Dependents' Indemnity and Compensation benefits purposes due to the lack of legal marriage, despite the appellant's claims of cohabitation.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total evaluation for treatment of a service-connected condition was withdrawn. The Board also denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left testicle disability and an increased rating for residuals of a right orchiectomy.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for new VA examinations. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private medical records and a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether service-connected disabilities contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for additional VA educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as he has already received more than the maximum 48 months of educational assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his left wrist disability. The TDIU claim will be held in abeyance pending further action.

The Veteran's claim for reentrance into rehabilitation to the point of employability during a period of employment services is denied as there is no evidence that his rehabilitation services are inadequate or that he cannot perform the duties of an entry-level job.