Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have qualifying service to be eligible for a one-time payment from the FVEC Fund, and thus denies the claim.

The Veteran's request for a waiver of overpayment of VA benefits was denied because it was not submitted within the required 180-day period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected cyclitis and his lack of depth perception, which may affect the rating assigned.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted, and his service connection claim for eyes disability remains pending. The Board found that the evidence supports an award of a TDIU due to multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current residuals of polio and post-polio syndrome are related to an illness during his active duty service, and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA medical records and inextricably intertwined issues. The claims for service connection for colon cancer, anemia, and a disability manifested by elevated PSA are being remanded to associate with the claims file the Veteran's VA treatment records since June 2013.

The Veteran's death was caused by multi-organ failure, hypotension, and sepsis. The Board found that these conditions did not originate in service or were otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is at least as likely as not related to exposure to metal dust during service. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU from May 20, 2002 to September 25, 2002 is denied as there is insufficient evidence showing the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a confirmed diagnosis of asbestosis, and the preponderance of evidence is against finding that his COPD was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's cardiac arrhythmia and arthritis of multiple joints were not found to be related to service or service-connected conditions, resulting in a denial of her claims.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance and automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations, as well as potential outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, cardio respiratory failure due to esophageal cancer, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by a service-connected disability. The appellant did not provide evidence of in-service radiation exposure and there is no other evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a gastrointestinal condition, including intra-abdominal abscess, phlegmon affecting the ileum and jejunum, perforation of the small bowel, fistulas, anal fissure, or recurrent ventral hernia or incisional hernia, resulting from disease or injury incurred or aggravated during a period of active duty for training in the Army National Guard from May 30, 1998 to June 5, 1998.

The Board has determined that a timely substantive appeal was filed with respect to the August 2008 rating decision denying service connection for a respiratory condition. The issue is now in appellate status and requires further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to the RO for additional action due to an inadequate VA skin examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for recurrent skin disorders, including a rash, skin growths, and a lentigo.

The Appellant has withdrawn her appeal regarding the denial of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. As a result, no further action is required.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, to include Crohn's disease and diverticulitis, finding that the Veteran had in-service symptoms and current diagnoses, with a well-rationalized nexus between the two.

The Board has granted service connection for right eye blepharitis and essential blepharospasm as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left eye cataract surgery residuals. The remaining right eye disabilities are not related to his active service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder has been rated at 30 percent disabling since October 3, 2006. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% or 70% disability evaluation.