Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's encephalomyelitis / encephalopathy is determined to be a disease that occurred during a period of inactive duty training, and therefore not service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right bundle branch block was incurred in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected costochondritis is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination.

The Veteran's residuals of hemorrhagic stroke have been evaluated as 50 percent disabling, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board granted service connection for the left third finger disability and assigned an initial evaluation of 10 percent, effective from October 1, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran's memory loss and speech impairment were not caused by VA medical treatment, but rather due to his multiple comorbid conditions including a lacunar stroke.

The Board found that the Veteran was not unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities prior to November 18, 2002.

The Veteran's skin condition characterized by lumps and lesions was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, including exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for injuries to the right lower side, left foot condition, and bilateral eye condition. The evidence submitted since the previous denials does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The Board also dismissed the claims as they are not in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for stomach ulcer disability, right hip, right ankle, and right knee disabilities have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The claim for service connection for a stomach ulcer disability has been reopened based on new evidence. Further examination is needed to determine the severity of PTSD and any relationship between the stomach ulcer condition and service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's TMJ disorder is related to his active service, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for xeroderma of the hands and onychomycosis of the toenails, as well as service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for a heart murmur, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Board finds that the Veteran's private treatment on February 28, 2012 met the criteria for prior authorization of payment or reimbursement due to an emergency medical condition.

The Board has ordered additional development regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed sleep impairment, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's follicular lymphoma was diagnosed and treated at a private facility due to VA's inability to provide timely treatment. The Board finds that the Veteran had a reasonable belief that his situation was emergent, and that delay in treatment would have been hazardous to his health and life.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, and thus service connection for Gulf War Syndrome is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's prostate condition is not related to his active service, including exposure to Agent Orange. As a result, the claim for service connection for a prostate disorder due to Agent Orange exposure is denied.