Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral mastectomies associated with residuals of carcinoma of the right breast, status post lumpectomy from March 2, 2012 to present more nearly approximate a simple mastectomy or wide local excision with significant alteration of the size and form of both breasts. The Board finds that the current 50 percent evaluation is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gallstones began during military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Veteran's death was caused by bilateral pulmonary edema and congestion due to cardiac insufficiency and severe myocardial degeneration, with left upper lobe adenocarcinoma. The Board found no evidence linking the cause of death to service-connected conditions or exposure to asbestos.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.S. § 1151 is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, including those from Dr. Schymik and St. Mary's Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right upper and lower extremity impairments, as secondary to a cerebrovascular accident, do not warrant ratings in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an earlier effective date for additional dependency benefits. The Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's systemic lupus erythematosus did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as it did not produce severe impairment of health despite frequent exacerbations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation and a need for further medical review regarding the Veteran's bilateral upper plexus stretch injuries resulting from cervical spine surgery. The appeal is pending until all necessary actions are taken.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for mild cognitive impairment, claimed as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing. The claims of service connection and reopening the bladder condition claim are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of autopsy report, which is necessary for determining whether the Veteran had ALS and if it was a substantial or contributing factor to his death.

The Board denied the appellant's request for a government-furnished headstone or marker for the Veteran's grave, as the Veteran died prior to November 1, 1990, and is buried in a private cemetery.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to his service-connected gastric cancer, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

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

The Veteran's residuals of shrapnel wounds are found to be etiologically related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a heart murmur condition is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a head injury is denied as there is no current disability associated with the in-service head injury.

The VA determined that the Veteran's right inguinal hernia has not been recurrent, readily reducible, or unoperated irremediable post-surgery and does not require a truss or belt. As such, it did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7338.

The Veteran's dumping syndrome is not service-connected and the Board finds that VA did not commit any fault in providing care, thus denying compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the Veteran's current foot disorder is not related to service or any incident of service, and did not manifest within one year of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.