Other conditions decisions — 2014

The Veteran's colon cancer, which was caused by exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam, is the principal cause of death. Therefore, the appellant is entitled to DIC benefits for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine the current severity of his service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and whether he meets the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's throat disability is related to his service, including exposure to Agent Orange during military service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left epididymitis does not warrant a compensable disability rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for such under Diagnostic Code 7525.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA records and providing a medical nexus opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD aggravated his fatal cardiac conditions beyond their natural progression or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hip disabilities, including left and right hip arthritis, are not related to his service or exposure to herbicides. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a corneal abrasion, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's chosen course of study did not meet the criteria for VA educational benefits under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill), and she was denied legal entitlement to these benefits.

The Veteran's death was caused by metastatic pancreatic carcinoma, and the appellant is seeking service connection for this condition based on herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's pancreatic cancer and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected recurrent dislocation of the right fifth digit proximal interphalangeal joint was denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating prior to May 31, 2013 or a rating in excess of 10 percent since that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Akron Nephrology Associates on May 26-27, 2010 are eligible for payment or reimbursement due to the circumstances of his emergency treatment.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant during its pendency.

The appellant is not recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for VA purposes and thus, the benefits sought are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right thigh puncture wound did not cause his current right hip arthritis, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as chondromalacia of the patella, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of either foot, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to a need for clarification of the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratoses are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to concerns about the adequacy of previous medical opinions and the need to obtain certain records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam and was not exposed to herbicides there. The claims for service connection for various conditions, including DM, PN of bilateral lower extremities, CAD, ED, HTN, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, glaucoma, and obesity, have been denied as they are not supported by evidence showing a direct link to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.