Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, had its onset in service and is related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant was in receipt of more benefits than she was actually entitled to beginning in June 2014 when she began receiving SSA benefits. As for calendar years 2011, 2012 and 2013, even after subtracting eligible medical expenses from her income, the remaining countable income for each year still exceeded applicable Maximum Annual Pension Rates (MAPRs). Therefore, there is no basis for entitlement to increased death pension at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for vitiligo, which he claims is related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The RO denied this claim due to the lack of a specific presumption for vitiligo based on herbicide exposure.

The Veteran does not have an additional disability of his spine that was caused by VA treatment on April 13, 2010. The Board finds the medical evidence does not support a finding of fault or negligence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings as the Veteran's conditions have resolved or are not service-connected.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including post-operative total knee replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period prior to May 2, 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right and left hip disorders did not begin during or were otherwise caused by his active duty service, including secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The case is remanded for further examination and development regarding service connection for a skin disorder and multiple myeloma.

The Board denied service connection for essential tremor, finding that the current condition is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for non-service connected pension benefits was denied as he did not provide necessary income information.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma, left tonsil is not related to his active service, including any in-service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an addendum from a VA medical examiner regarding whether his pre-existing HIV was aggravated during his second period of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for eligibility to receive VA home loan benefits due to his not meeting the minimum service requirement of at least 24 months of active duty.

The Veteran's service records show he was diagnosed with ulcerative blepharitis during his military service. He has continued to be treated for blepharitis since then, and current medical evidence supports this diagnosis. The Board therefore grants service connection for an eye disability.

The Veteran's service-connected spinal stenosis L4-5, L5-S1 has been rated at 20 percent since May 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is currently rated at 50 percent since April 12, 2017.,Prior to December 3, 2010, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding an increased rating for atrophy of the right upper arm prior to June 1, 2012 and thereafter.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of the appellant's service personnel records due to potential dual citizenship. The claim will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.