Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of additional compensation payable for a dependent, finding that the Veteran did not provide updated information about his marital status within one year of notification and thus was not eligible for the benefits at the time of his increased rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's annual income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate for a surviving spouse with one dependent, making her ineligible for death pension benefits.

The appeal is being remanded due to the appellant failing to submit requested evidence, and her address needs to be updated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected keloid formation does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. The evidence does not show that his condition affects more than 40 percent of the entire body or exposed areas, nor does it indicate constant or near-constant systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs were required during the past 12-month period.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to discrepancies in the Veteran's financial status reports.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to missing documents and a need to determine if the appellant's claim was filed in a timely manner.

The Board has dismissed the DIC and service connection claims as they do not have jurisdiction due to a lack of appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for varicose veins of the right lower extremity, finding that it was not secondary to his pre-existing left lower extremity condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including recurrent boils and cysts, depression, liver cysts, an upper back/neck disorder, a left foot disability, a right hand disability, and a right wrist disability.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's CVA residuals are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for labyrinthitis prior to October 7, 2014 is denied. From October 7, 2014, the Veteran received a maximum schedular rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's net worth, including funds from an irrevocable trust, was deemed insufficient to support his pension claim due to excessive expenses for assisted living.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a dose estimate based on in-service radiation exposure monitoring. The claim will be forwarded to the Under Secretary for Benefits for further consideration.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to the need for the Veteran's accredited representative to review and submit a VA form 646 in support of his claim. The overpayment of educational assistance benefits will be reviewed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety). The issue of whether his digestive disorders are secondary to this service-connected disorder is addressed and a medical opinion will be obtained.

The Board found no current evidence of residual disabilities from the Veteran's in-service hypothermia and smoke inhalation, thus denying service connection.

The Board denied service connection for hair loss of the head and face, finding no evidence of a chronic undiagnosed illness or any other basis for service connection.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability or exposure to toxic substances, including Agent Orange. The cause of death was chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which the Board finds is not related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing and skin conditions, which he attributes to herbicide exposure in service, are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's sleep disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral restless leg syndrome is also denied, with the examiner concluding it is less likely than not related to his service-connected spine disability.