Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's myelodysplastic syndrome is related to his active duty service, specifically due to exposure to Agent Orange. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure that the claims are evaluated in accordance with applicable regulations and evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. The evidence shows that his symptoms began during active duty in Spain and he was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. The Board finds the opinion provided by Dr. B.C. to be highly probative as it relates to the nature and etiology of the Veteran's disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and requires additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to address the Veteran's gastric condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decision could be made.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claim for an increased rating for herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1, and the Board is dismissing this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability, finding that his current condition is not related to active service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple myeloma, which is subject to presumptive service connection for Veterans exposed to herbicide agents during service. The case is REMANDED to obtain the Veteran's service personnel records and verify his alleged exposure to toxic chemicals and/or herbicide agents in service.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a VA examination to assess the severity of his ventral hernia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left hydrocelectomy status post excision is denied as there is no evidence of an additional disability other than the already service-connected residual scar. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his scar, residuals of left hydrocelectomy, is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant meets the criteria for recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA death benefit purposes, and therefore grants her claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is competent to handle disbursement of VA funds.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is not ready for appellate review until this hearing is conducted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's penile cancer, which occurred after his service in Vietnam and is presumed to have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange, should be considered as having a direct connection to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case as he is deceased.

The Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the prostate with history of brachytherapy was rated at 100% from May 1, 2013, through August 25, 2014. From August 26, 2014, to December 6, 2015, he is entitled to a 20% rating for voiding dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an examination and opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current skin conditions are at least as likely as not caused by his sun exposure during service.

The Veteran's appeal for competency to handle disbursement of funds without limitation has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for basal cell carcinoma, and residuals thereof, as due to in-service herbicide exposure. The preponderance of the evidence does not establish a link between the Veteran's current condition and his active service.