Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's organic brain syndrome has been rated at 10 percent since September 29, 1987. Since October 23, 2008, the rating for organic brain syndrome has increased to 40 percent and remains at that level as of May 3, 2011.,The Veteran's cognitive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) was granted a 70 percent disability rating effective May 3, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claim, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA examination to assess the current status of his service-connected basal cell carcinoma and its residuals.

The Board has remanded the case to seek verification of the appellant's husband's service from the Department of the Army, as the NPRC did not provide a change in response and the appellant submitted new information regarding her husband's place of separation. The claim will be readjudicated after obtaining this verification.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate reasons and bases in the denial of the claim, including a need for a proper VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between macular degeneration and ionizing radiation exposure during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including residuals of a closed head injury and dementia and memory loss, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found that discontinuance of DIC benefits, effective September 1, 1999, was proper as the appellant remarried before she reached the age of 57 and her remarriage occurred after the proposed discontinuance date. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for peptic ulcer disease due to it being inextricably intertwined with the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including a disability manifested by substance abuse.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is related to service, but a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to uncertainty regarding the nature and severity of his service-connected recurrent cysts, specifically whether they should be rated based on skin disease or scarring. A VA examination is needed for proper adjudication.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. He also needs to undergo new examinations for his service-connected disabilities and a medical opinion regarding his employability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for recognition as a surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. However, based on the evidence provided, there is no legal basis to recognize the appellant as such due to her divorce from the Veteran in 1995 and lack of subsequent marriage.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disabilities, increased ratings for her knees, and reopening of a psychiatric disorder claim are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to a procedural error in DRO review and will be handled again under the proper process.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the deceased claimant's service and whether they qualify for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund.

The Board denied the appellant's claim as she does not meet the definition of a 'veteran' for purposes of VA benefits due to lack of confirmed periods of service with the Air Force Reserves.

The Veteran was granted an initial 20 percent rating for adenocarcinoma of the prostate, status post prostatectomy, effective from October 29, 2007. The VA examiner found no local reoccurrence or metastasis and noted that the Veteran did not experience any associated renal dysfunction, urinary leakage, or obstructed voiding.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his fatal cardiac and lung disabilities were not incurred or aggravated in service. The atherosclerosis was not exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for cancer of the tongue, finding that it is more likely than not caused by his presumed in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ after the hearing.