Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Board is remanding the case due to incomplete service treatment records and personnel records from the appellant's U.S. Naval Reserve service, which need to be obtained for proper adjudication of his claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected residuals, laceration of right Achilles tendon, with repair was granted effective February 16, 2012. The effective date is set at one year prior to the receipt of her formal claim on February 16, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's cause of death, including metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and cardiopulmonary arrest, is service-connected based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not timely file a notice of disagreement regarding an August 2013 decision that discontinued an apportionment of the Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits. The appeal is being remanded to ensure all special procedural regulations for contested claims have been followed.

The Veteran was not reasonably discharging his responsibility for supporting his dependent children, CGD and CLD. Therefore, a general apportionment of 20 percent of the Veteran's VA nonservice-connected pension benefits is granted.

The Veteran's eligibility for VA Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was established on August 2, 2010, with an effective date of February 10, 2010. The Appellant submitted a claim for benefits in November 2011, more than one year after the initial determination. As a result, the Board denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's other trauma and stressor-related disorder is granted as service connected, and the right leg disorder is remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the esophageal cancer is related to herbicide exposure. A VA examination is needed to determine if service connection can be established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's TMJ syndrome has not manifested with limited motion of the inter-incisal range of 11 mm to 20 mm or less during the appeal period, and therefore, he is not entitled to a higher initial disability rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed the appeal as it was not in compliance with the requirements to proceed.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his active service, including presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found that the primary causes of death were non-ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection decision can be made.

The Veteran's request for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to new evidence received since the last decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for Cushing's syndrome is denied as there was no pending request to reopen the previously denied claim prior to December 2, 2013.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities are rated at 50 percent effective September 17, 2014. The Board has remanded for further development on all issues.

The Board denied service connection for a right foot hammertoe disability, finding no relationship between the condition and active duty service or exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an eye disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that there is a reasonable possibility that his current eye disabilities may be related to events or injuries during service, but further examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic memory loss, shortness of breath, and leg pain due to an undiagnosed illness. The VA examiner must provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's breast cancer, which is claimed as being caused by herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, is related to his service and grants entitlement to service connection.