Other conditions decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the left neck lymph node, finding that it did not have its clinical onset in service or within one year of service separation and was not otherwise related to active duty, including as a result of presumed herbicide agent exposure therein. The Board also found that it was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected acne vulgaris.

The Veteran's service-connected schistosomiasis mansoni is rated as noncompensable due to mild symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the Appellant's claim for non-service connected death pension benefits for years 2008 through 2013 due to her income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR). The case is being remanded to clarify her income for years 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral upper extremity disability, which he attributes to an injury sustained in service while lifting a heavy box. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature of his current disabilities and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating and consideration of whether separate compensable ratings are warranted is being remanded due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The issue of service connection for a dental disability remains pending and requires further examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's autoimmune disorder, including systemic lupus erythematosus and atypical connective tissue disease, is at least as likely as not caused by silicone breast implants she underwent during active duty service.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosed disability manifested by sensory deficits of the bilateral hands, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's skin disorder, including squamous cell carcinoma, was not shown to be related to service or herbicide exposure. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current dental disorder for which VA compensation may be paid, and that any missing tooth was less likely as not due to in-service trauma or dental malpractice.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and will be readjudicated based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's mood disorder secondary to general medical condition with depressive features has been rated at 70 percent since August 23, 2017. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's joint aches are not service-connected, and his left shoulder muscle injury, axillary nerve injury, and wrist disability have been rated appropriately.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding service connection and rating issues.

The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed, and the claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to his use of Risperidone during his hospitalization in November-December 2009 is also on appeal. The Board has determined that additional development is needed.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to incomplete STRs and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's skin condition claim will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has restored the grant of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, effective August 11, 2010.,VA's severance of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a waiver of recovery of an overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $592.00 is granted as he was without fault in creating the overpayment.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on February 7, 2012 for emergency treatment of abdominal pain and vomiting are granted.

The Board found that the Veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal regarding his claim for service connection for residuals of a brain injury and plate bone injury, resulting in the denial of the appeal.