Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran contends that he sustained a gunshot wound prior to service and that his injury was aggravated during basic training. The VA examiner found no residuals of the gunshot wound, but noted chronic neuropathic pain secondary to the injury. The Board finds this opinion inadequate for rating purposes due to conflicting evidence in the medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability, diagnosed as chondromalacia patellae, is not etiologically related to his military service. The preponderance of evidence is against the finding that his in-service activities caused or were otherwise related to his current condition.

The Board is remanding the case to consider whether earlier effective dates should be granted for residuals of a shell fragment wound in the suprapubic area, including claims of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in August 1971 and March 1978 rating decisions.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for basic eligibility to receive educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, as he did not meet the service requirements and did not contribute to the Veterans' Educational Assistance Program.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions. The case is being remanded to allow for this development.

The Veteran's syringomyelia has been rated at 30 percent since March 27, 1997. The current examination findings do not support a higher rating as the range of motion is limited to 15 degrees in both flexion and extension.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 1, 1999 for the award of nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right pneumothorax are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Board has remanded the case due to a requested hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the appropriate RO. The appellant and her representative will be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal of the claim for service connection for chronic adjustment disorder, and the Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting an aid and attendance/housebound evaluation. The Veteran's claim remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have pneumonia or residuals thereof and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including insomnia and panic disorder without agoraphobia, to his active service. The claim was denied.

The Board is requesting additional information and records to determine if the appellant can be recognized as the surviving spouse for VA benefits purposes.

The Veteran's death was attributed to end stage cardiomyopathy, but the Board found no service-connected disability that caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia has been reopened and granted.,The Board finds that the Veteran's current disability, postoperative residuals of a right inguinal hernia, is related to his active service. The condition existed prior to service but worsened during in-service military training.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left diaphragm paralysis is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and clarification of the precise nature of his residuals from service-connected left diaphragm paralysis.

The Veteran's death was not the result of a service-connected disability, and therefore, entitlement to burial benefits based on VA compensation or pension is denied. The appellant lacks legal standing to pursue reimbursement for burial expenses as the funeral director had unpaid bills.