Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot pain is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional private treatment records.

The claim for burial benefits is denied because the application was not filed within two years of the Veteran's cremation, and service-connected burial benefits were previously denied.

The case is being remanded due to incomplete compliance with the Board's April 2017 remand directives, specifically regarding obtaining a copy of the Social Security Administration’s decision and additional medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder injury, including a rotator cuff tear and arthritis, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disability during service or in the presumptive period following service. The current condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical records and a need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's multiple myeloma is related to his service at Fort Ord, including chemical exposure.

The Board denied service connection for spinal meningitis as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of spinal meningitis during service.

The Veteran's application for an annual clothing allowance in 2015 was denied because it was not submitted within the required one-year period after the initial establishment of entitlement, which occurred on August 1, 2015.

The Veteran's death was caused by relapsed refractory acute myeloblastic leukemia, which arose from chemotherapy for small cell gastric cancer. The Board found that the service-connected PTSD contributed to his alcohol abuse and thus indirectly led to his gastric cancer, resulting in his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a low back condition, including lack of service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Veteran needs to be examined for his claimed condition.

The Board has determined that the October 2011 VA medical opinion is inadequate and remanded for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current disability was caused or accelerated by VA treatment, including his November 2004 left hip arthroplasty.

The Veteran's muscle cramps and essential tremors are potentially service-connected due to exposure to environmental hazards in Iraq. The Veteran also has a current rating for sleep apnea, but the VA is remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, including DJD of the first MTP joint, hallux valgus, and hallux rigidus, are rated as noncompensable throughout the initial evaluation period. The Board denied higher ratings due to lack of severe hallux valgus or hallux valgus requiring surgery.

The Veteran's cause of death, peritoneal mesothelioma, is found to be related to service. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Board denied service connection for carcinoma of the lymph nodes of the neck and carcinoma of the left tongue base, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and active service. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied as his PTSD did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that both claimants are seeking to be recognized as the Veteran's spouse, and thus this is a contested case. The procedures for such cases have not been followed properly.

The Board has found the overpayment of $1,939.00 to be valid and therefore denied the Veteran's claim for waiver of recovery.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's nerve injuries were reasonably foreseeable or due to VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's lung disability is related to service, specifically his complaints of chest pain and possible reflux esophagitis.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for fallen bladder, fallen uterus, residuals of a hysterectomy, and dysplasia due to insufficient medical opinion regarding their relationship to her military service. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination.