Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of both knees and for limitation of flexion of both knees. The issues regarding instability were also denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased rate of nonservice-connected death pension based on unreimbursed medical expenses for calendar year 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inaccuracies in the medical history provided and an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board has granted an extraschedular rating of 20 percent for residuals, orchitis with atrophy of left testes effective September 30, 2009.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the presumption of regularity applied to the April 2014 SOC and the appellant did not respond. The earliest possible effective date is August 18, 2014.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits in excess of $308, to include reimbursement of the expense of last sickness or burial due to her not meeting the statutory definition of a 'child' as defined by VA regulations and because she did not personally pay for the expenses on behalf of her mother.

The Veteran's service-connected eye disabilities do not cause marked interference with employment or frequent hospitalizations, and thus the criteria for an extraschedular disability rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records from Roosevelt Roads Naval Facility and other issues.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability and its impact on employment. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until the increased rating claim is resolved.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion and verifying the Veteran's alleged asbestos exposure. The claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, was incurred in service.

The Veteran's HIV and stomach condition claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from a private gastroenterologist.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting a VA clinician to provide an opinion on whether any cholangiocarcinoma is related to service or within one year post-service separation.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, characterized as nonunion of the ulnar styloid process, meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating since the date of service connection (except when a temporary total rating was in effect).

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran's split tooth and filling with pain are related to any negligence or fault by VA under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran's current nasal polyps, respiratory disorder, eye disorder, and skin disorders were not manifest in service and are unrelated to service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted the Appellant's claim to reopen her service connection for cause of death, finding that new and material evidence supports her claim. The Board also found that the Veteran's coronary artery disease began during his active duty service and contributed substantially to his death by causing an arrhythmic event leading to a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's carcinoma of the tongue is granted service connection due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, formerly identified as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the service member's character of discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to multiple offenses for unauthorized absence, and thus denied his claim for VA benefits.