Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's panic disorder with agoraphobia is currently rated as 50 percent disabling prior to January 27, 2014 and as 70 percent disabling from that date. The Board has found the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.,From January 27, 2014, the Veteran's TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if she has any current or previously-diagnosed left hip disorder, including left sacroiliac joint stress fracture, and whether it is at least as likely as not related to her service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and individual unemployability are remanded due to the need for new examinations and additional evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The Board has granted service connection for shin splints of the bilateral legs, but remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a VA examination.

The Board found that the reduction of VA pension benefits based on unreported income in 2008 was proper and the overpayment in the amount of $50.00 was validly created.

The Veteran's glioblastoma multiforme is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, specifically Agent Orange. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the glioblastoma multiforme was caused by this exposure and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has determined that additional treatment records are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to a mediastinoscopy procedure performed in October 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil and right tongue are granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The cases are remanded to further develop the medical records needed to determine if HPV was present in the cancerous tissue.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his private audiograms. The initial rating claim for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder remains denied, while the hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for pleural plaques disability are being remanded due to the need for further development, including completion of a TDIU claim.

The Board denied service connection for Ménière's syndrome as there was no probative medical evidence indicating the Veteran demonstrated the onset of the condition during service or that it was causally related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot condition and neurological effects (memory loss, delayed reaction, numbness, tingling, swelling) as the evidence did not support a causal link to military service.

The veteran's pension rate has been increased multiple times due to cost of living adjustments, but he is not eligible for a higher rate as his income does not exceed the maximum annual pension rate.

The Board has been instructed to verify the appellant's spouse's service connection for VA benefits purposes, specifically using all three aliases and units provided.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for stroke is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether his insomnia is related to his stroke.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a head injury and right eye detached retina, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for loss of use of a creative organ is denied as the evidence does not show that his condition was caused by VA negligence or fault.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right hip disorders due to insufficient rationale in the June 2015 VA opinion. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bone spurs in his left and right feet due to insufficient evidence provided by the VA examiner.