Other conditions decisions — 2015

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his active military service, including herbicide exposure. The presumption of service connection does not apply due to lack of soft tissue sarcoma.

The Veteran's left thumb disability, since May 24, 2007, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or significant functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected death pension benefits and special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance, finding that her income exceeded the maximum annual limits set by law. The denial was upheld due to insufficient evidence regarding a dependent child at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the termination of VRAP benefits from November 21, 2013 during the semester of school enrollment from August 2013 to December 2013. As a result, the Board dismisses this appeal.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the complete records of the Veteran's terminal hospitalization at Sanford Medical Center and to review a medical opinion with consideration of the new evidence. The case will be readjudicated based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected right and left hip disabilities have been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a skull fracture and acute polynephritis were denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations for his lumbago with degenerative joint disease, right ankle fracture, left hip disorder, and right hip disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip disorder is related to her active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred in September 2009 was denied as he did not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for DIC benefits beyond age 18 based on school attendance is granted, as his enrollment in an approved educational institution was recognized and continued until July 31, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot condition, finding that the Veteran currently does not have pes cavus or residuals thereof. The evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether cervical arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left eye disability, right eye disability (other than anisocoria and opacities of the right cornea), and residuals of a stroke have all been denied as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the bilateral hips is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his service-connected right inguinal herniorrhaphy and status post vasectomy with persistent pain syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to determine the severity of her ulcerative colitis, as well as any sleep disorder or obesity. The claims will be adjudicated again after these steps are taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ventral hernia did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service. The examiner opined that the current left ventral hernia was less likely as not caused by or a result of the right inguinal hernia repair during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right great toe fracture. The claim will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and anemia were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his diagnosed heart disabilities.