Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and assignment of a total evaluation for right hip replacement is denied as there was no pending claim prior to March 26, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records, as well as further development of his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin rash of the arms, face, and hands, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to service or exposure to Agent Orange. The Board also found that his assertions of continuity of symptoms since service were not credible.

The Veteran's cerebellar tremors have been rated at 40 percent for the right hand and 30 percent for the left hand prior to December 22, 2015. Since then, his tremors are rated at 70 percent for the right hand and 60 percent for the left hand.,The Veteran's need for aid and attendance has been established effective December 22, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected disability pension benefits, including special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is denied due to lack of entitlement under the law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus occurred during his active duty service and is related to this period. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The appellant is requesting a Board hearing due to her poor health, and the case is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's surviving spouse did not have any claims pending at the time of her death, and there were no existing rating decisions under which she might have been entitled to benefits that were not paid. Therefore, the appellant is not entitled to accrued benefits.

The Veteran's pension benefits were reduced due to his receipt of Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits, which are not counted for VA pension purposes. The case is being remanded for clarification on whether the SSA income is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which would be excluded from countable income.

The Board granted the Veteran's request for dependency for the appellant effective July 16, 2007.

The Veteran's bilateral otitis externa has been rated at 10 percent since April 3, 2013. The Board finds that the symptoms of itching and discharge warrant this rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue with metastases to the left neck to his military service, including exposure to herbicides or asbestos. The preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the cancer was not incurred in service.

The Veteran's heart conditions are not service-connected as they were not shown during his active duty or within one year of separation. The Board finds that the presumption for herbicide exposure does not apply to these conditions, and thus service connection is denied.

The RO denied service connection for arthritis and did not reopen the claim, resulting in a final decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining records and conducting a dose estimate. The claim remains pending as it is unclear whether the esophageal cancer was caused by service exposure to herbicides or ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of a left femur stress fracture prior to December 15, 1999 was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip/pelvic distortion and genitourinary disability have been reopened, but the evidence does not support these claims.,For PTSD with depression and anxiety, the Veteran is currently rated at 50% prior to October 23, 2013, and 70% thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back and left hip disorders are not related to his service, and thus denied both claims for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's lung condition is not related to his service, including chemical exposure. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a TDIU.