Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's death occurred in July, and he was not entitled to any benefits at the time of his death. Therefore, accrued benefits are denied.

The Board denied the claim for DIC benefits due to a dishonorable discharge, finding that the appellant's multiple offenses and willful misconduct resulted in his dishonorable discharge. As a result, he does not have veteran status for VA benefits purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected panic disorder is remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left hip disorder, as her most recent VA examination was conducted over four years ago.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal, esophageal, and genitourinary disorders due to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion regarding whether these conditions are related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the Veteran experienced a loss of anal and bladder sphincter control prior to his death, which would affect his eligibility for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral foot condition is related to his in-service complaints of blisters and sores.

The Veteran was not service connected for any disabilities, and therefore the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left leg and calf disorder. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature, etiology, and functional impairment caused by this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further medical examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's cataracts are congenital defects or diseases, and if they worsened during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension because he did not have qualifying active service during a period of war as recognized by VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for a right shoulder disability. The examiner needs to provide an addendum that addresses whether current disabilities are related to in-service injury or aggravation of preexisting conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death is listed as Acinetobacter Pneumonia. The Appellant contends that the Veteran’s chronic obstructive lung disease, caused by asbestos exposure in service, contributed to his pneumonia and death. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's PCOS is a congenital defect or disease, and if so, whether it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's rectal adenocarcinoma was not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking the condition to his military service.,The Veteran's son, O.H.L., was denied recognition as a helpless child because there is no evidence showing he was permanently incapable of self-support prior to turning 18.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for cause of death on a basis other than ischemic heart disease and also denied the claim for ischemic heart disease. The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be fatty metamorphosis of the liver due to chronic alcohol abuse, with hypertensive cardiovascular disease as a contributory cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye condition was aggravated during his active service, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to a lack of evidence showing that his heart condition was related to service. The claim for nonservice-connected burial benefits is denied as untimely.

The Board finds that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on February 9, 2015 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital were reasonable and necessary due to an emergent condition (DVT) and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Palm Bay Hospital on June 13, 2014. As a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.