Other conditions decisions — 2016

The Veteran's residuals of gastric cancer are related to his exposure to toxic herbicides in service, and the Board grants this claim. The issue regarding atrial fibrillation is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable disability rating for his right fifth finger and service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support an award of compensation under these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's extensive in-service exposure to sunlight, as part of cumulative sun exposure, caused his development of a skin disability including keratoacanthoma.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's left eye disorder and clarifying the nature of his service from February to July 2003.

The Board found that a chronic musculoskeletal disability manifested by painful joints did not have its onset during active military service and is not shown to be etiologically related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's reactive polyarticular arthritis was not etiologically related to his active duty service and concluded that it did not develop as a result of or aggravated by his service-connected right knee replacement. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a VA examination and clarifying medical opinion to determine if his current psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, is related to service. The Veteran contends that he experienced ongoing symptoms since military service.

The Board has ordered additional medical records and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right upper extremity neurological disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tumor on his spine is not related to service, including exposure to herbicides. The opinion provided does not establish a link between the current condition and service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for clarification on the criteria used in evaluating the Veteran's service-connected tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

The Board found that the Veteran's eye disability, diagnosed as myokymia, had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diverticulosis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service and no probative medical opinion linking his current condition to military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for nonservice-connected death pension and nonservice-connected pension benefits due to a lack of verified service in the United States Armed Forces, specifically as a Philippine Scout. The decedent died from pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal condition, including a Mallory Weiss tear and hiatal hernia, is being remanded for further development as the current evidence does not establish whether these conditions are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident or any other incident of service.

The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for myofascial pain syndrome, effective from February 6, 2014. The Veteran's condition shows evidence that more nearly approximates impairment due to pain and grinding, resulting in at most a range of lateral excursion greater than 4 millimeters prior to February 6, 2014, and impairment due to pain, grinding, clicking, and popping, resulting in at most a range of inter-incisal movement of 4 millimeters from February 6, 2014.

The Veteran's request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge has not been scheduled. The case is being remanded to schedule the hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's son, C.R.C., was permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining age 18 due to mental and physical defects. As a result, he is recognized as a 'helpless child' on this basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses because prior authorization was not obtained, and none of the conditions for reimbursement under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act were met.

The Veteran does not meet the legal requirements for wartime service, and therefore is not eligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and provide the Veteran with proper notice on his claim for service connection for a sleep disorder.