Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to an inadequate VA examination and other issues.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the amount of nonservice-connected pension benefits was proper due to receipt of SSA benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and is not otherwise related to active service. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied as there is no evidence showing a direct link between the service-connected diabetes mellitus and the gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if he has experienced incapacitating episodes related to his service-connected iritis since November 2008. The claim will also be readjudicated with consideration of all additional evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case in April 2016.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and granted it, finding that the Veteran was exposed to an herbicide agent during his active duty for training in the Air Force Reserves and that this exposure constitutes a presumption of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left thigh shell fragment wound and hypoesthesia of the left lower extremity are being remanded due to incomplete medical records, conflicting evidence in the record, and the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disability, finding it likely related to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing to address the issue of apportionment of the Veteran's service-connected compensation benefits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for narcolepsy. The Board finds that further development is needed prior to adjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's hallux valgus and hammertoe deformity of the left and right feet have been rated at 10 percent since July 1, 2003. The VA examiner found no evidence of severe hallux valgus or resection of the metatarsal head, but noted hammer toe deformities with associated pain and degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's right lower extremity venous stasis disability was manifest by persistent edema and stasis pigmentation from July 22, 2009 to July 5, 2012. The Board granted a 40% rating for this period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a neck injury due to new and material evidence received since the last final denial. The claim is further granted as the evidence supports that the condition may be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed sleep disorder.

The Veteran's request for service connection for a skin disability, including as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for menstrual irregularity and hysterectomy. The reopened claim is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability, characterized by scarring and irregularities of the retina resulting in light sensitivity, floaters, dry eyes, and flashes of light, warrants an initial 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's spouse was denied an increased apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits in excess of $155.00 per month prior to their divorce on November 8, 2013 and had her apportionment terminated as of August 1, 2015.

The Board found that the Appellant did not timely perfect an appeal from the RO's decisions denying entitlement to burial benefits and earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma of the right base of the tongue is related to his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to Agent Orange. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.