Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an extension of educational assistance benefits under Chapter 30, as he was already paid under Chapter 33 and duplication of benefits is prohibited.

The Veteran's chronic lymphedema has been rated at the maximum 100 percent since May 7, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran is competent to report her symptoms and finds them credible.

The Board has granted service connection for a thyroid disorder secondary to hypertension with kidney failure and history of kidney transplant. The Veteran's prostate disorder and bladder disorder are currently under consideration.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits resulting from the Veteran's incarceration for a felony was not properly created, and therefore, the appeal is granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted service connection for Alzheimer's disease as due to aggravation by the Veteran's service-connected Parkinson's disease. The effective date is not specified.

The Board found that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to support the claim of aggravation during service, thus denying service connection for a cardiac disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim of basic eligibility for VA home loan benefits due to insufficient creditable service in the United States Army Reserves, as he did not meet the 6 years of creditable service required under the law.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and reasoning regarding service connection for cholangiocarcinoma and liver cancer, as well as cause of death. The Veteran's conditions are being reviewed again with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for HPV as there is no evidence of a current disability and it does not constitute an entity for which VA compensation benefits may be awarded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including chronic pneumonitis, intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB), and ulcerative colitis, are not service-connected. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were not related to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow dislocation and residuals of right fifth finger avulsion fracture have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to support these claims.,Regarding the claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran is granted service connection. The claim for a compensable evaluation for postoperative common bile duct repair remains pending as the Veteran did not file a substantive appeal.

The Veteran's death was related to his service-connected rheumatic fever, and the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchiectasis and pulmonary fibrosis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Board has determined that the appellant's income exceeds the statutory limits for death pension benefits, and therefore she is not legally entitled to these benefits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for a left index finger disability and an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for service-connected hypertensive heart disease. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's C5 schwannoma to his service, including exposure to herbicides. The tumor was not present during service and there is no competent medical opinion connecting it to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral birdshot chorioretinopathy clearly and unmistakably preexisted his periods of service from January 2004 to May 2005 and from October 2005 to February 2006, and was not aggravated beyond normal progression during either period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's income for the year 2007, and requests that the Veteran provide independent verification of his income or evidence to reduce it.