Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a Social and Industrial Survey. The Veteran's skin disabilities are being evaluated in relation to Agent Orange exposure during service, while his PTSD rating and TDIU claims will be deferred pending completion of these tasks.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion from an appropriate VA examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypopharyngeal head/neck cancer did not have its onset in service or was manifest to a compensable degree within one year after service. The claim for accrued benefits is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying service dates and updating financial information. The validity of the debt and waiver of overpayment in the amount of $3,000.00 will be re-adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the deceased's character of discharge is under conditions other than honorable due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars the appellant from receiving VA benefits for death pension.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an ear disability, to include spasm eustachian tube, as secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was also granted a noncompensable (0 percent) initial rating for his respiratory condition and a 50 percent rating effective January 12, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of his claims, including service connection for a circulatory disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to unscannable CDs containing potentially relevant documents. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after these documents are obtained and evaluated.

The Board has determined that the reduction from a 100% to a 60% disability rating for status-post right lung middle lobe lobectomy, effective January 1, 2011, was proper based on sustained improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that the withholding of separation pay in the amount of $30,000.00 was proper and required by law.

The Veteran's right foot bunionectomy necessitated a period of convalescence from July 2, 2010 through February 28, 2011. The Board has granted an extension of the temporary total disability rating for this period.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The appellant is seeking service connection for larynx cancer, which may have been caused by asbestos exposure during service, and malnourishment due to a stomach condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of metal fragments of the upper body was denied as there is no current disability to account for his reported pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions. The issue of service connection for bilateral eye disability, including dry eye syndrome, is now pending.

The appellant is not recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to her divorce from the Veteran, which was caused by his misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension was remanded due to his deteriorating health and lack of assistance. His claim for service connection for 'G.U.' colitis is pending, as a statement of the case has not yet been issued.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left lower leg disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's income is too high for her to receive widow's pension benefits, and she needs additional information regarding her financial situation.

The Veteran's service connection for costochondritis is granted. For migraine and tension headaches, a rating of 30 percent is granted effective April 1, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran's prostate disability is not related to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.