Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, and the claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for benefits under the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) was denied as he did not meet the full-time enrollment requirement, despite his argument that he took courses based on a student advisory counselor's advice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for additional compensation at an increased rate for a dependent spouse due to insufficient evidence that his first marriage was legally terminated by divorce prior to his second marriage in 1985.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a dental disability to teeth numbered 23, 24, and 25 was granted. She is already in receipt of service connection for treatment purposes for these teeth.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding her exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied accrued benefits for the purposes of reimbursement of expenses regarding the Veteran's surviving spouse, finding that no payments were made by the Appellant and that the evidence did not show necessary expenses related to last sickness or burial.

The Veteran's basal cell and papillary cell carcinoma were not manifested during service, nor are they related to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's skin disorder is not service-connected, but his obstructive sleep apnea with reactive airway disease warrants a 60% rating since March 29, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for waiver of overpayment of nonservice-connected pension benefits from July 14, 2010 through August 10, 2010 due to fault entirely on his part. The debt incurred during this period is found valid.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hand disability warrants a compensable rating of 10 percent for painful motion, but no more. The evidence shows that the Veteran has limited motion and pain in his right thumb and index finger.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteochondritis dissecans and arthritis, has been rated at 20 percent since May 2009. The most recent VA examination in July 2017 confirmed the presence of these conditions without any additional findings warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, finding no current disability and noting that the Veteran's reported ulcers were not supported by medical evidence. The neurological disorder was also found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination and requested additional medical records to determine if the Veteran's varicose veins are related to his military service. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg varicose veins were incurred during service and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing medical records and scheduling any necessary examinations or opinions. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for gastrointestinal symptoms will be reconsidered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left elbow disability, finding that further development was needed. The appeal is currently remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide another VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip disorder is not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right finger disorder was aggravated by his service, and therefore grants service connection for aggravation of arthrodesis of the distal phalanx of the right index finger.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's malignant neoplasm of the rectum is not related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a supplemental medical opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current basal cell carcinoma, including whether it is related to service or herbicide exposure.