Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's former attorney was awarded $21,391.45 in benefits based on a November 2014 rating decision. The Veteran disagrees with the amount and has filed a notice of disagreement (NOD). The Board must issue an SOC to address this matter.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is secondary to herbicide exposure, has been remanded due to the need for clarification of his preferred hearing location.

The Veteran's appeal involves the issue of whether he is entitled to service connection for a bilateral foot disability. The VA examiner found that his malunion/nonunion of tarsal/metatarsal bones was not aggravated by service, and did not provide an opinion on other diagnosed foot disorders.

The Veteran's daughter, T.R.B., was not recognized as a helpless child for VA benefits purposes due to the lack of evidence demonstrating she became permanently incapable of self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 years.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for conversion disorder, to include manifestations of a movement disorder. The lumbar strain increased rating claim was withdrawn prior to decision.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date prior to August 19, 2010, for service connection of ulcers with gastrointestinal reflux disease. The Veteran's claim was previously denied in September 1975 and abandoned in February 1993. No new evidence was submitted within one year of the abandonment.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cerebral aneurysm did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining private medical records.

The Board found that the correct amount of accrued benefits has been paid, and denied any further accruals in excess of $388.15.

The Veteran's sinus condition has been rated at 30 percent since September 3, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating based on more frequent episodes of headaches and pain.

The Board has determined that additional medical evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI residuals, contributed to or caused his death. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's character of service from April 17, 1980 to May 15, 1983 was honorable. However, his subsequent discharge on May 16, 1983 and thereafter due to misconduct drug abuse resulted in an other-than-honorable discharge. The Board determined that the character of service from April 17, 1980 to May 15, 1983 is not a bar to VA benefits, but the character of service from May 16, 1983 to May 13, 1987 is a bar to VA benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral epididymitis, status post left epididymectomy scar was tender and stable throughout the appellate period. The current evaluation of 10 percent for this condition is appropriate.

The Board dismissed the claims due to the death of the appellant, and as a result, these matters are returned for further action.

The Veteran's request for VA disability benefits is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and unclear opinions. The Appellant's claims are pending.

The Veteran's gouty arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent disabling effective June 9, 2014. The Board granted a TDIU claim.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current urethral disability, including Peyronie's disease, prostatitis, or hypertrophy of the prostate, which is causally related to his military service.