Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for bilateral corneal maculae and the claim to reopen was not appealed. The Veteran's death was not related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the L3-L5 spine is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, diagnosed as arthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of the claim.

The Board denied the Appellant's request for an extension of her delimiting date for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 due to a lack of evidence showing she was prevented from initiating or completing her chosen program of education within the eligibility period.

The Veteran's panic disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment since March 29, 2004, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Board found that the termination of VA pension benefits due to 'fugitive felon' status from August 1, 2007, to February 13, 2009, was proper.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected fungal infections of the feet, groin, hands, and face is being remanded due to a need for updated VA examination and private medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) is denied as the earliest possible effective date is June 11, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's colon cancer and its residuals are related to his in-service radiation exposure, which is considered presumptive service connection. The hernia, lumbar spine disorder, and cervical spine disorder claims will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a travel Board hearing. The clothing allowance claim remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of optic neuritis or vision problems, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's phlebitis warrants a disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, prior to August 1, 2015. From August 1, 2015, the phlebitis warrants a 40 percent disability rating, but no higher.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcohol dependence disorder and liver disorder are not service connected, as they were neither caused by nor aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's hydrocephalus and urinary incontinence were not related to service or any incident of service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to address the etiology of any current eye disability, including photophobia and eye swelling. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's aortic valve stenosis with open heart surgery is not service connected, and his esophageal varices are currently rated at 10%.

The Veteran's request for a TDIU rating has been remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The original claim for an increased rating for her left eye disability is still pending.

The Board found that the termination of the apportionment of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits, effective January 1, 2010, was proper due to the appellant's reported hardship causing an undue and impermissible hardship on the Veteran.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for influenza treatment were denied as the condition was unrelated to his service-connected disabilities and there was no evidence of a continued medical emergency.