Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and adjudication, including a retrospective evaluation of his service-connected disabilities prior to April 5, 2006, and consideration of whether TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Veteran's esophageal condition, including esophagitis, was found to be caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for hypernatremia secondary to diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's left and right hip disabilities have been rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2008. The current rating is commensurate with the average earning capacity impairment due to migraine and tension headaches.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disorder and drug dependence, finding that her pre-existing conditions did not worsen during service or become manifest within one year of separation. The Board also found no evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of participation in a radiation-risk activity during his military service.

The Veteran's current respiratory disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that it is more likely due to obesity and age.

The Veteran's memory impairment is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his sleep apnea and PTSD.,The Veteran does not have any other residuals of a head injury that are currently service connected.

The Board has determined that the Appellant is not entitled to recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for the purpose of receiving VA death pension benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been in remission since treatment ended, and there are no compensable residuals. Therefore, a higher initial evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's skin condition, including actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis, is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to service, particularly exposure to Agent Orange. The claim will also be reviewed for any new evidence submitted since the last decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, is found to be as likely as not attributable to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly pension with housebound benefits has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not eligible to be recognized as the surviving spouse of the Veteran for purposes of receiving VA benefits due to a lack of legal eligibility.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mild hyperemia does not result in any visual impairment, and therefore cannot be rated higher than the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected genital herpes was rated as noncompensable prior to February 8, 2011 and as 10 percent disabling thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's numbness in all limbs, fingers and toes did not have its clinical onset during active service and is not otherwise related to active service. The criteria for a TDIU prior to February 9, 2009 were also not met.

The Veteran's service-connected agoraphobia has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since May 17, 2006. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted for this period on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient detail in the June 2014 VA examination report and the need to clarify whether the Veteran's congenital non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a defect or disease, and if it was aggravated by service.