Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's oral cancer was not shown in service or until many years thereafter, and there is no credible evidence establishing a link between his current condition and service, including claimed exposure to herbicides. As such, the claim for service connection for oral cancer was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected Scheuermann's disease is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck condition is being remanded due to the need for secondary service connection notice and a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for service-connected amyotrophic lateral sclerosis effective March 9, 2010.,The Veteran is also entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance at the housebound rate effective March 9, 2010.

The Veteran's cause of death is listed as pneumonia with respiratory failure. The appellant contends that the Veteran's service-connected heart condition contributed to his death. The Board finds a remand necessary for additional development regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's pulmonary fibrosis, cause of death, and asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for multiple myeloma was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and insufficient competent evidence to link it to his active duty service or any other disability.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the Veteran's July 2011 squamous cell carcinoma was caused or aggravated by service-connected sebaceous cysts and whether it is related to service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran died in November 2012 and the appeal is for VA burial benefits. The Veteran was not service-connected at the time of his death, nor did he have any pending claims for compensation or pension. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for VA burial benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a neurologic examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and it is not otherwise related to service, including his exposure to chemicals.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot disability did not occur in service and was not aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for reimbursement of unauthorized medical treatment has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bone loss in the mouth and a compensable rating for Hodgkin's disease, finding that there was no evidence of active or treatment phase Hodgkin's disease during the pendency of the claim.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right hand thumb was granted a 20 percent disability rating effective from December 19, 2012. The other fingers were already assigned the maximum possible ratings based on limitation of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that he does not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and attributing his symptoms to diagnosed anti-social personality disorder and cannabis use disorder.

The Board finds that the Veteran was insane at the time he committed the offenses leading to his bad conduct discharge, and thus the character of his service is not a bar to VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to misinterpretation of lay statements and need for additional medical opinions regarding potential service connection.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary thrombosis and hypertensive vascular disease, which are not service-connected or related to his service-connected right elbow disability. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's hidradenitis and pilonidal cyst have been rated based on their service-connected status. The Veteran does not meet the threshold requirements for TDIU until November 29, 2012.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for November 19, 2013 at Holmes Regional Medical Center were reimbursed by VA as the treatment was deemed necessary due to a constant tapping sensation in his head that could have been hazardous if delayed, and no feasible VA facility was available.