Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's death was caused by liver cancer with bone metastasis. The Board finds that further efforts are needed to determine if the cause of death is related to service, including obtaining the Veteran's service personnel records and potentially seeking a medical opinion regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which are decided on the merits. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to missing documentation. The case will be returned to the Board after all relevant documents are located and associated with the claims file.

The Board found that the Veteran's adenocarcinoma of the prostate metastatic to bone is not due to service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claim was denied as there was no evidence linking the current condition to military service.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to a miscommunication regarding continued appeals and VA examinations. The Veteran's hypertension, deviated nasal septum prior to June 4, 2014, and left leg disability are among the issues being addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected foot and back disorders preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran is granted initial increased ratings of 10 percent for chronic urticaria effective August 1, 2004.,An initial compensable rating (less than 10 percent) is denied for a disability manifested by chronic fatigue and a left upper extremity neurologic disability.

The Veteran's right elbow bursitis has been essentially asymptomatic throughout the appeal period, with full range of motion and no pain. As a result, he does not meet the criteria for any compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hiatal hernia and pontine hemorrhage from a small cavernous hemangioma were not incurred in service, and denied both claims. The Veteran is still entitled to TDIU for the period February 1, 2008, to December 31, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his death was not caused by any service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a current eye disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete evidence and requests for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left elbow epicondylitis with mild degenerative joint disease has been rated at 10 percent since December 31, 2009. The current evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of uterine fibroids, with associated dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain, is not related to her active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current neck disability or bilateral hand arthritis disability that is etiologically related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development due to a need for a medical opinion regarding the Appellant's ability to self-support prior to reaching his 18th birthday. The appeal is currently on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's service-connected actinic keratosis has been manifested by recurrent lesions treated with topical creams, cryotherapy and chemical peels. The condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7824 as it did not require intermittent systemic therapy.

The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the bilateral hands, with limitation of the fourth fingers was found to be manifested by pain and mild to moderate reduced grip strength. The claim for a compensable rating was denied as there was no evidence that the condition approximated amputation or resulted in functional loss equivalent to an amputation. The TDIU claim was also denied due to the Veteran's ability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's surgery for his service-connected right hand trigger finger disability required convalescence of at least one month, and the Board has granted a temporary total evaluation based on this.

The Veteran's surviving spouse was receiving death pension and aid and attendance benefits, but her income exceeded the maximum allowable limit. The case involves whether the appellant (the surviving child) can receive accrued benefits for reimbursement of expenses related to her mother's last sickness and burial.