Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's character of discharge from his period of service in the U.S. Marine Corps was dishonorable due to multiple offenses, including unauthorized absences and disrespect towards superiors. The Board also noted that the Veteran had a history of mental health issues since service but concluded he did not have an insanity defense at the time of his offenses.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's in-service injury and his current right hand disability, concluding that any irregularities or disabilities are due to natural aging process rather than service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bladder disorder is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's death does not meet the eligibility requirements for VA burial benefits, including a burial allowance, plot or interment allowance, and transportation reimbursement.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding records and scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for lupus and concurrent special monthly compensation based on having additional service-connected disabilities at over 60% combined.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an evaluation excess of 40 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with intra-axial spinal cord lesion.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lower extremity neuropathic disability and its relationship to her service-connected spine, right ankle, and/or left leg disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected right leg and left thigh SFW residuals were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension limited by 15 degrees, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shin splints and a bilateral leg disorder, other than patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees with strain and arthritis in the right knee, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left breast disability and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain. The Veteran's preexisting left breast cysts/fibroadenoma were found to have not been aggravated by her military service.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to August 13, 2013, for the award of death pension benefits is not warranted. The appellant's claim was denied in January 1994 due to her income exceeding the threshold for eligibility. She did not file a notice of disagreement or submit new evidence within one year of that decision. Her August 13, 2013 informal claim led to the October 2014 rating decision granting death pension benefits effective from August 13, 2013.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current cardiovascular disability is not service connected due to lack of evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated by service, and there is no relationship between his PTSD and his cardiovascular disability.

The appellant is not eligible for DIC benefits as the surviving spouse of the Veteran because she remarried after his death, and no exceptions to this rule apply.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for the purpose of obtaining updated financial information and readjudication based on this new evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death during its pendency.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his stroke.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral foot disability, dizziness, fractures of the left arm and right wrist/hand, and venous insufficiency. The decision found no evidence of continuous or recurrent symptoms since service separation.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have legal entitlement to VA benefits due to a lack of recognized service in the United States Armed Forces, and thus is not eligible for veterans' benefits.