Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and an addendum to the September 2014 examination report. The Veteran's pulmonary disability is being evaluated in relation to his service-connected asbestos exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral heel spurs, finding that the condition is related to service and not due to any presumptive exposure or new evidence.

The Veteran was entitled to the maximum monthly pension rate for a single veteran needing aid and attendance, which would have covered his burial expenses. The appellant is therefore entitled to an additional $595 in accrued benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disorder, to include amblyopia.

The Veteran's annual income exceeded the maximum allowable for nonservice-connected pension benefits, resulting in denial of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of mitral valve prolapse or residuals of a fracture of the right middle finger, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for loss of visual acuity/nearsightedness, which the RO has denied as a congenital or developmental defect. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine if her eye disabilities are superimposed diseases or injuries created during service.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his service-connected right 5th metacarpal fracture and puncture wound.

The Veteran's eye disorder is related to his active duty service, specifically his exposure to bright explosions as a fire support specialist. Additional medical records are needed for the VA examination and remand process.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple myeloma was denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to service.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there was no evidence linking his stroke to his service and that he was not a prisoner of war. The Board also found that the appellant did not provide any medical evidence connecting the Veteran's stroke to his service.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because he did not file a timely appeal regarding the denial of service connection for right leg nerve damage.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records of treatment provided by Christus St. Mary Hospital from July 7, 2009 to July 20, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the etiology of his heart condition and the severity of his asbestosis. The examiner will also need to discuss how these conditions impact his employability.

The Board has ordered the RO to obtain updated financial information from the appellant for the years 2010-2014, and then re-adjudicate her claim of whether her annual income is excessive for receiving VA death pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cancer of the larynx, post laryngectomy is service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicides during his service in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a personal hearing, and the VA Health Eligibility Center (HEC) decision regarding the change of the Veteran's means test eligibility category from exempt to required on April 21, 2010 is being reviewed.

The Veteran's service is not considered during a period of war, thus he does not meet the threshold criteria for basic eligibility to nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his right cubital tunnel syndrome and wishes to establish TDIU. The Board finds that a remand is necessary as the reduction in rating was improper, there are conflicting medical opinions regarding the current severity of the disability, and updated treatment records should be obtained.